{Private  jCibrary  y 


Wm.  G.  BOEAMELS. 


s^ 


THE  KORAN: 


COMMONLY  CALLED  THE 


ALKORAN    OF    MOHAMMED. 


Translated  into  English  from  the  Original  Arabic, 


BY  GEORGE  SALE. 


NEW  YORK 
HITRST  &  COMPANY.  PUBLISHERS 


A  TABLE   OF  THE   CHAPTEKtf 

OP 

THE  KORAK 


CHAPTER  PA«E 

1.— Entitled,  The  Preface,  or  Introduction 13 

2.— Entitled,  The  Cow 13 

3.— Entitled,  The  Family  of  Imran 35 

4.— Entitled,  Women 48 

5.— Entitled,  The  Table 61 

6.— Entitled,  Cattle 72 

7.— Entitled,  Al  Araf 84 

8.— Entitled,  The  Spoils 97 

9.— Entitled,  The  Declaration  of  Immunity 103 

10.— Entitled,  Jonas !I3 

11.— Entitled,  Hud J19 

12.— Entitled,  Joseph 146 

13.— Entitled,  Thunder 134 

14.— Entitled,  Abraham 137 

15.— Entitled,  Al  Hejr 141 

16.— Entitled,  The  Bee 144 

37.— Entitled,  The  Night  Journey 151 

18.— Entitled,  The  Cave 158 

19.— Entitled,  Mary TU 

20.— Entitled,  T.  H 169 

21.— Entitled,  The  Prophets 175 

22.— Entitled,  The  Pilgrimage 180 

23.— Entitled,  The  True  Believers 185 

24.— Entitled,  Light .  189 

25.— Entitled,  Al  Forkan . .  194 

26.— Entitled,  The  Poets 198 

27 —Entitled,  The  Ant 203 

28.— Entitled,  The  Story 208 

a<J. -Entitled   The  Spider 214 

30.— Entitled,  The  Greeks .  21H 

81.— Entitled,  Lokman 221 

"&.  -Entitled,  Adoration 283 


2234761 


Iv  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

33.— Entitled,  The  Confederates. 225 

34.— Entitled,  Saba ~ 230 

35.— Entitled,  The  Creator  232 

36.— Entitled,  Y.  S 237 

37.— Entitled,  Those  who  Rank  themselves  in  Order... 240 

38.— Entitled,  8 244 

39.— Entitled,  The  Troops 247 

40.— Entitled,  The  True  Believer 252 

41.— Entitled,  Are  distinctly  Explained 

42.— Entitled,  Consultation ^00 

43.— Entitled,  The  Ornaments  of  Gold -jo-i 

44.— Entitled,  Smoke 3JT 

45.— Entitled,  The  Kneeling a» 

46.— Entitled,  Al  Ahkaf ,. .'U 

47.— Entitled,  Mohammed 

48.— Entitled,  The  Victory 276 

49.— Entitled,  The  Inner  Apartments 2, 9 

60.— Entitled,  K 280 

61.— Entitled,  The  Dispersing 282 

52.— Entitled,  The  Mountain 284 

53.— Entitled,  The  Star ^K3 

51— Entitled.  The  Moon 287 

55.— Entitled,  The  Merciful ^y 

56.— Entitled,  The  Inevitable 291 

57.— Entitled,  Iron 293 

58.— Entitled,  She  who  Disputed , 293 

69.— Entitled,  The  Emigration 297 

60.— Entitled,  She  who  is  Tried ;!99 

61.— Entitled,  Battle  Array 301 

62.— Entitled,  The  Assembly 302 

63.— Entitled,  The  Hypocrites 303 

64.— Entitled,  Mutual  Deceit 303 

65.— Entitled,  Divorce 304 

66.— Entitled;  Prohibition 308 

6?.— Entitled,  The  Kingdom 307 

68.— Entitled,  The  Pen 308 

69.— Entitled,  The  Infallible 310 

70.— Entitled,  The  Steps 311 

71.— Entitled,  Noah 313 

72.— Entitled,  The  Genii bl.i 

73.— Entitled,  The  Wrapped  up Sli 

7L— Entitled,  The  L'ov  "ed .... 

75.— Entitled,  Thr  Resurrection 31, 

76.— Entitled,  M»>  < = 3iy 

77.— Entitled,  TJ»  se  which  are  Sent 3li> 


CONTENTS.  v 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

78.— Entitled,  The  News 320 

79.— Entitled,  Those  who  Tear  Forth 321 

80.-  Entitled,  He  Frowned 322 

81.— Entitled,  The  Folding  up 323 

82.— Entitled,  The  Cleaving  in  Sunder 3.3 

83.— Entitled,  Those  who  give  Short  Measure  or  Weight 324 

&!.— Entitled,  The  Rending  in  Sunder '. 325 

85.— Entitled,  The  Celestial  Signs 325 

86.— Entitled,  The  Star  which  appeareth  by  Night 320 

87.— Entitled,  The  Most  High .' 326 

88.— Entitled.  The  Overwhelming 327 

89.— Entitled,  The  Daybreak 327 

90.— Entitled,  The  Territory 328 

91.— Entitled,  The  Sun 329 

92.— Entitled,  The  Night 329 

93.— Entitled,  The  Brightness 330 

94.— Entitled.  Have  we  not  Opened 330 

95.— Entitled,  The  Fig 330 

9C.  -Entitled,  Congealed  Blood 331 

07.— Entitled,  Al  Kadr 331 

98.— Entitled,  The  Evidence 331 

99.— Entitled,  The  Earthquake 332 

100.— Entitled,  The  War-Horses  which  Run  Swiftly 332 

101.— Entitled,  The  Striking 333 

102.  —Entitled,  The  Emulous  Desire  of  Multiplying 333 

103.—  Entitled,  The  Afternoon 333 

104.— Entitled,  The  Slanderer 334 

105.— Entitled,  The  Elephant.. .   334 

106.— Entitled,  Koreish 334 

107.— Entitled,  Necessaries 334 

108.— Entitled,  Al  Cawthar 335 

109.— Entitled,  The  Unbelievers 335 

110.— Entitled,  Assistance 335 

111.— Entitled,  Abu  Laheb 335 

112.— Entitled,  The  Declaration  of  God's  Unity 336 

li:}.— Entitled.  The  Daybreak 336 

114.— Entitled,  Men 836 


TO  THE  READER. 


I  QIA.GINE  it  almost  needless  either  to  make  an  apology  for  pub- 
Ushing  the  following  translation,  or  to  go  about  to  prove  it  a  work  of 
use  as  well  as  curiosity.  They  must  have  a  mean  opinion  of  the 
Christian  religion,  or  be  but  ill  grounded  therein,  who  can  apprehend 
any  danger  from  so  manifest  a  forgery :  and  if  the  religious  and  civil 
institutions  of  foreign  nations  are  worth  our  knowledge,  those  of 
Mohammed,  the  lawgiver  of  the  Arabians,  and  founder  of  an  empire 
which  in  less  than  a  century  spread  itself  over  a  greater  part  of  the 
world  than  the  Romans  were  ever  masters  of,  must  needs  be  so; 
whether  we  consider  their  extensive  obtaining,  or  our  frequent  inter- 
course with  those  who  are  governed  thereby.  I  shall  not  here  inquire 
into  the  reasons  why  the  law  of  Mohammed  has  met  with  so  unex- 
ampled a  reception  in  the  world  (for  they  are  greatly  deceived  who 
imagine  it  to  have  been  propagated  by  the  sword  alone),  or  by  what 
means  it  came  to  be  embraced  by  nations  which  never  felt  the  force  of 
the  Mohammedan  arms,  and  even  by  those  which  stripped  the  Ara- 
bians of  their  conquests,  and  put  an  end  to  the  sovereignty  and  very 
being  of  their  Khallfs:  yet  it  seems  as  if  there  was  something  more 
than  what  is  vulgarly  imagined  in  a  religion  which  has  made  so  sur- 
prising a  progress,  But  whatever  use  an  impartial  version  of  the 
KorSn  may  be  of  in  other  respects,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  unde- 
ceive those  who,  from  the  ignorant  or  unfair  translations  which  have 
appeared,  have  entertained  to  favourable  an  opinion  of  the  original, 
and  also  to  enable  us  effectually  to  expose  the  imposture;  none  of 
those  who  have  hitherto  undertaken  that  province,  not  excepting  Dr. 
Pridcaux  himself,  having  succeeded  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  judicious, 
for  want  of  being  complete  masters  of  the  controversy.  The  writers 
of  the  Romish  communion,  in  particular,  are  so  far  from  having  done 
any  service  in  their  refutations  of  Mohammedism,  that  by  endeavour- 
ing to  defend  their  idolatry  and  other  superstitions,  they  have  rather 
contributed  to  the  increase  of  that  aversion  which  the  Mohammedans 
in  general  have  to  the  Christian  religion,  and  given  them  great  ad- 
vantages in  the  dispute.  The  Protestants  alone  are  able  to  attack  thje 


via  TO  THE  READER 

Koran  with  success;  and  for  them,  I  trust,  Providence  has  reserved 
the  glory  of  its  overthrow.  In  the  meantime,  if  I  might  presume  to 
lay  down  rules  to  be  observed  by  those  who  attempt  the  conversion 
of  the  Mohammedans,  they  should  be  the  same  which  the  learned  and 
worthy  Bishop  Kidder  has  prescribed  for  the  conversion  of  the  Jews, 
and  which  may,  mutatis  mutandis,  be  equally  applied  to  the  former, 
notwithstanding  the  despicable  opinion  that  writer,  for  want  of  being 
better  acquainted  with  them,  entertained  of  those  people,  judging 
them  scarce  fit  to  be  argued  with.  The  first  of  these  rules  is,  To 
avoid  compulsion ;  which,  though  it  be  not  in  our  power  to  employ  at 
present,  I  hope  will  not  be  made  use  of  when  it  is.  The  second  is, 
To  avoid  teaching  doctrines  against  common  sense;  the  Mohamme- 
dans not  being  such  fools  (whatever  we  may  think  of  them)  as  to  be 
gained  over  in  this  case.  The  worshipping  of  images  and  the  doctrine 
of  transubstantiation  are  great  stumbling-blocks  to  the  Mohamme- 
dans, and  the  Church  which  teacheth  them  is  very  unfit  to  bring  those 
people  over.  The  third  is,  To  avoid  weak  arguments:  for  the  Mo- 
hammedans are  not  to  be  converted  with  these,  or  hard  words.  AVe 
must  use  them  with  humanity,  and  dispute  against  them  with  argu- 
ments that  are  proper  and  cogent.  It  is  certain  that  many  Chris- 
tians, who  have  written  against  them,  have  been  very  defective  this 
way:  many  have  used  arguments  that  have  no  force,  and  advanced 
propositions  that  are  void  of  truth.  This  method  is  so  far  from  con- 
vincing, that  it  rather  serves  to  harden  them.  The  Mohammedans 
will  be  apt  to  conclude  we  have  little  to  say,  when  we  urge  them 
with  arguments  that  are  trifling  or  untrue.  We  do  but  lose  ground 
when  we  do  this;  and  instead  of  gaining  them,  we  expose  our- 
selves and  our  cause  also.  We  must  not  give  them  ill  words 
neither;  but  must  avoid  all  reproachful  language,  all  that  is  sar 
castical  and  biting:  this  never  did  good  from  pulpit  or  press.  The 
softest  words  will  make  the  deepest  impression;  and  if  we  think 
it  a  fault  in  them  to  give  ill  language,  we  cannot  be  excused 
when  we  imitate  them.  The  fourth  rule  is,  Not  to  quit  any  article 
of  the  Christian  faith  to  gain  the  Mohammedans.  It  is  a  fond  con- 
ceit of  the  Socinians,  that  we  shall  upon  their  principles  be  most  like 
to  prevail  upon  the  Mohammedans:  it  is  not  true  in  matter  of  fact. 
We  must  not  give  up  any  article  to  gain  them ;  but  then  the  Church 
of  Rome  ought  to  part  with  many  practices  and  some  doctrines.  AVe 
are  not  to  design  to  gain  UW  .Aioliammedans  over  to  a  system  of 


TO  THE  READER.  ix 

dogma,  but  to  the  ancient  and  primitive  faith.  I  believe  nobody  will 
deny  but  that  the  rules  here  laid  down  are  just:  the  latter  part  of  the 
third,  which  alone  my  design  has  given  me  occasion  to  practise,  I  think 
so  reasonable,  that  I  have  not,  in  speaking  of  Mohammed  or  his  Koran, 
allowed  myself  to  use  those  opprobrious  appellations,  and  unmannerly 
expressions,  which  seem  to  be  the  strongest  arguments  of  several  who 
have  written  against  them.  On  the  contrary,  I  have  thought  myself 
obliged  to  treat  both  with  common  decency,  and  even  to  approve  such 
particulars  as  seemed  to  me  to  deserve  approbation:  for  how  criminal 
soever  Mohammed  may  have  been  in  imposing  a  false  religion  on 
mankind,  the  praises  due  to  his  real  virtues  ought  not  to  be  denied 
him;  nor  can  I  do  otherwise  than  applaud  the  candour  of  the  pious 
and  learned  Spanhemius,  who,  though  he  owned  him  to  have  been 
a  wicked  impostor,  yet  acknowledged  him  to  have  been  richly 
furnished  with  natural  endowments,  beautiful  in  his  person,  of  a 
subtle  wit,  agreeable  behaviour,  showing  liberality  to  the  poor, 
courtesy  to  every  one,  fortitude  against  his  enemies,  and  above  all  a 
high  reverence  for  the  name  of  God;  severe  against  the  perjured, 
adulterers,  murderers,  slanderers,  prodigals,  covetous,  false  witnesses, 
;i  great  preacher  of  patience,  charity,  mercy,  beneficence, 
gratitude,  honouring  of  parents  and  superiors,  and  a  frequent 
celebrator  of  the  divine  praises. 

Of  the  several  translations  of  the  Koran  now  extant,  there  is  but 
one  which  tolerably  represents  the  sense  of  the  original;  and  that  be- 
iiiLT  ia  Latin,  a  new  version  became  necessary,  at  least  to  an  English 
reader.  What  Bibliander  published  for  a  Latin  translation  of  that 
hook  deserves  not  the  name  of  a  translation;  the  unaccountable 
liberties  therein  taken,  and  the  numberless  faults,  both  of  omission 
and  commission,  leaving  scarce  any  resemblance  of  the  original.  It 
was  made  near  six  hundred  years  ago,  being  finished  in  1143,  by 
us  Hetenensis,  an  Englishman,  with  the  assistance  of  Herman- 
nus  Dalmata,  at  the  request  of  Peter,  Abbot  of  Clugny,  who  paid 
them  well  for  their  pains. 

From  this  Latin  '  ersion  was  taken  the  Italian  of  Andrea  Arriva- 
bene,  notwithstanding  the  pretences  in  his  dedication  of  its  being 
done  immediately  from  the  Arabic;  wherefore  it  is  no  wonder  if  the 
transcript  be  yet  more  faulty  and  absurd  than  the  copy. 

About  the  end  of  the  fifteenth  century.  Johannes  Andreas,  a 
native  of  Xativa  in  the  kingdom  of  Valencia,  who  from  a  Moham- 


x  TO  THE  READER. 

Indian  doctor  became  a  Christian  priest,  translated  not  only  the 
Koriin,  but  also  its  glosses,  and  the  seven  books  of  the  Sonna,  out  of 
Arabic  into  the  Arragonian  tongue,  at  the  command  of  Martin  Garcia, 
Bishop  of  Barcelona  and  Inquisitor  of  Arragon.  Whether  this  trans- 
lation were  ever  published  or  not  I  am  wholly  ignorant:  but  it  may 
be  presumed  to  have  been  the  better  done  for  being  the  work  of  ono 
bred  up  in  the  Mohammedan  religion  and  learning;  though  hir 
refutation  of  that  religion,  which  has  had  several  editions,  gives  no 
great  idea  of  his  abilities 

Some  years  within  the  last  century,  Andrew  du  Ryer,  who  had 
been  consul  of  the.  French  nation  in  Egypt,  and  was  tolerably  skilled 
in  the  Turkish  and  Arabic  languages,  took  the  pains  to  translate  the 
Koran  into  his  own  tongue:  Jbut  his  performance,  though  it  be 
beyond  comparison  preferable  to  that  of  Retenensis,  is  far  from  being 
a  just  translation;  there  being  mistakes  in  every  page,  besides 
frequent  transpositions,  omissions,  and  additions,  faults  unpardon- 
able in  a  work  of  this  nature.  And  what  renders  it  still  more  incom- 
plete is,  the  want  of  Notes  to  explain  a  vast  number  of  passages, 
some  of  which  are  difficult,  and  others  impossible  to  be  understood, 
without  proper  explications,  were  they  translated  ever  so  exactly; 
which  the  author  is  so  sensible  of  that  he  often  refers  his  reader  to 
the  Arabic  commentators. 

The  English  version  is  no  other  than  a  translation  of  Du  Ryer's, 
and  that  a  very  bad  one ;  for  Alexander  Ross,  who  did  it,  being 
utterly  unacquainted  with  the  Arabic,  and  no  great  master  of  the 
French,  has  added  a  number  of  fresh  mistakes  of  his  own  to  those  of 
Du  Ryer;  not  to  mention  the  meanness  of  his  language,  which  would 
toake  a  better  book  ridiculous. 

In  1698,  a  Latin  translation  of  the  Koran,  made  by  Father  Lewis 
Marracci,  who  had  been  confessor  to  Pope  Innocent  XL,  was 
published  at  Padua,  together  with  the  original  text,  accompanied  by 
explanatory  notes  and  a  refutation.  This  translation  of  Marracci's, 
generally  speaking,  is  very  exact:  but  adheres  to  the  Arabic  idiom  too 
literally  to  be  easily  understood,  unless  I  am  much  deceived,  by  those 
who  are  not  versed  in  the  Mohammedan  learning.  The  notes  he  haa 
added  are  indeed  of  great  use;  but  his  refutations,  which  swell  the 
work  to  a  large  volume,  are  of  little  or  none  at  all,  being  often  un- 
satisfactory, and  sometimes  impertinent  The  wcrk,  however,  with, 
all  its  faults,  is  very  valuable,  and  I  should  be  guilty  of  ingratitude, 


TO  THE  READER.  3d 

did  I  not  acknowledge  myself  much  obliged  thereto ;  but  still,  being 
nv  Latin,  it  can  be  of  no  use  to  those  who  understand  not  that  tongue. 

Having  therefore  undertaken  a  new  translation,  I  have  endeavoured 
to  do  the  original  impartial  justice;  not  having,  to  the  best  of  my 
Knowledge,  represented  it,  in  any  one  instance,  either  better  or  worse 
than  it  really  is.  I  have  thought  myself  obliged,  indeed,  in  a  piece 
which  pretends  to  be  the  AVord  of  God,  to  keep  somewhat  scrupulous- 
ly close  to  the  text;  by  which  means  the  language  may,  in  some  places, 
eeem  to  express  the  Arabic  a  little  too  literally  to  be  elegant  English: 
but  this,  I  hope,  has  not  happened  often;  and  I  natter  myself  that  the 
style  I  have  made  use  of  will  not  only  give  a  more  genuine  idea  of 
the  original  than  if  I  had  taken  more  liberty  (which  would  have 
been  much  more  for  my  ease),  but  will  soon  become  familiar:  for  we 
must  not  expect  «o  read  a  version  of  so  extraordinary  a  book  with 
the  same  ease  and  pleasure  as  a  modern  composition. 

As  I  have  had  no  opportunity  of  consulting  public  libraries,  the 
manuscripts  of  which  I  have  made  use  throughout  the  whole  work 
have  been  such  as  I  had  in  my  own  study,  except  only  the  Commen- 
tary of  al  Beidawi  and  the  Gospel  of  St.  Barnabas.  The  first  belongs 
to  the  library  of  the  Dutch  church  in  Austin  Friars,  and  for  the  use 
of  it  I  have  been  chiefly  indebted  to  the  Reverend  Dr.  Bolten,  one  of 
the  ministers  of  that  church:  the  other  was  very  obligingly  lent  me 
by  the  Reverend  Dr.  Holme,  Rector  of  Hedley  in  Hampshire;  and  I 
take  this  opportunity  of  returning  both  those  gentlemen  my  thanks 
for  their  favours.  The  merit  of  al  Beidawi's  commentary  will  appear 
from  the  frequent  quotations  I  have  made  thence;  but  of  the  Gospel 
of  St.  Barnabas  (which  I  had  not  seen  when  the  little  I  have  said  of 
it  in  the  Preliminary  Discourse,  and  the  extract  1  had  borrowed  from 
M.  de  la  Monnoye  and  M.  Toland,  were  printed  off),  I  must  bet' 
leave  to  give  some  further  account. 

The  book  is  a  moderate  quarto,  in  Spanish,  written  in  a  very  legi- 
ble hand,  but  a  little  damaged  towards  the  latter  end.  It  contains 
two  hundred  and  twenty-two  chapters  of  unequal  length,  and  four 
hundred  and  twenty  pages;  and  is  said,  in  the  front,  to  be  translated 
from  the  Italian,  by  an  Arragouian  Moslem,  nameci  Mostafa  de 
Aranda.  There  is  a  preface  prefixed  to  it,  wherein  the  discoverer  of 
the  original  MS.,  who  was  a  Christian  monk,  called  Fra  Marino,  tells 
us  that  having  accidentally  met  with  a  writing  of  Ireuaeus  (among 
others), wherein  he  speaks  against  fiU  Paul,  alleging,  for  his  authority. 


xfl  TO  THE  READER 

the  Gospel  of  St.  Barnabas,  he  became  exceeding  desirous  to  find 
this  gospel ;  and  that  God,  of  His  mercy,  having  made  him  very  in- 
timate with  Pope  Sixtus  V.,  one  day,  as  they  were  together  in  that 
Pope's  library,  his  Holiness  fell  asleep,  and  he,  to  employ  himsell, 
reaching  down  a  book  to  read,  the  first  he  laid  his  hand  on  proved  to 
be  the  very  gospel  he  wanted :  overjoyed  at  the  discovery,  he  scru- 
pled not  to  hide  his  prize  in  his  sleeve,  and  on  the  Pope's  awaking, 
took  leave  of  him,  carrying  with  him  that  celestial  treasure,  by  read 
ing  of  which  he  became  a  convert  to  Mohammedism. 

This  Gospel  of  Barnabas  contains  a  complete  history  of  Jesus  Christ 
from  His  birth  to  His  ascension ;  and  most  of  the  circumstances  in 
the  four  real  Gospels  are  to  be  found  therein,  but  many  of  them 
turned,  and  some  artfully  enough,  to  favour  the  Mohammedan 
system.  From  the  design  of  the  whole,  and  the  frequent  interpola- 
tions of  stories  and  passages  wherein  Mohammed  is  spoken  of  and 
foretold  by  name,  as  the  messenger  of  God,  and  the  great  prophet 
who  was  to  perfect  the  dispensation  of  Jesus,  it  appears  to  be  a  most 
barefaced  forgery.  One  particular  I  observe  therein  induces  me  to 
believe  it  to  have  been  dressed  up  by  a  renegade  Christian,  slightly 
instructed  in  his  new  religion,  and  not  educated  a  Mohammedan 
(unless  the  fault  be  imputed  to  the  Spanish,  or  perhaps  the  Italian 
translator,  and  not  to  the  original  compiler);  I  mean  the  giving  to 
Mohammed  the  title  of  Messiah,  and  that  not  once  or  twice  only, 
but  in  several  places;  whereas  the  title  of  the  Messiah,  or,  as  the 
Arabs  write  it,  al  Masih,  i.e.,  Christ,  is  appropriated  to  Jesus  in  the 
Koran,  and  is  constantly  applied  by  the  Mohammedans  to  Him.  and 
never  to  their  own  prophet.  The  passages  produced  from  the  Italian 
MS.  by  M.  de  la  Monnoye  are  to  be  seen  in  this  Spanish  version  almost 
word  for  woul. 

But  to  return  to  the  following  work.  Though  I  have  freely  censurec 
the  former  translations  of  the  Koran,  I  would  not  therefore  be  sus 
pected  of  a  design  to  make  my  own  pass  as  free  from  faults:  I  air 
very  sensible  it  is  not;  and  I  make  ho  doubt  that  the  few  who  ar» 
able  to  discern  them,  and  know  the  difficulty  of  the  undertaking, 
will  give  me  fair  quarter.  I  likewise  flatter  myself  that  they,  ana 
all  considerate  persons,  will  excuse  the  delay  which  has  happened  In 
the  publication  of  this  work,  when  they  are  informed  that  it  was 
carried  on  at  leisure  times  only,  and  amidst  the  necessary  avocations 
of  a  troublesome  profession.  / 


AL    KORAN. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ENTITLED,    THE  PREFACE,    OB  INTRODUCTION ;  REVEALED 
AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

PRAISE  be  to  God,  the  Lord  of  all  creatures;  the  most  merciful,  the 
king  of  the  day  of  judgment.  Thee  do  we  worship,  and  of  thee  do 
we  beg  assistance.  Direct  us  in  the  right  way,  in  the  way  of  those 
to  whom  thou  hast  been  gracious;  not  of  those  against  whom  thou 
art  incensed,  nor  those  who  go  astray. 


CHAPTER  IL 

ENTITLED,  THE  COW;  REVEALED  PARTLY  AT  MECCA,  AND  PARTLY 
AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  M.  There  is  no  doubt  in  this  book;  it  is  a  direction  to  the 
pious,  who  believe  in  the  mysteries  of  faith,  who  observe  the  ap- 
pointed times  of  prayer,  and  distribute  alms  out  of  what  we  have 
bestowed  on  them;  and  who  believe  in  that  revelation,  which  hath 
been  sent  down  unto  thee,  and  that  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto 
the  prophets  before  thee,  and  have  rirm  assurance  in  the  life  to  come: 
these  are  directed  by  their  Lord,  and  they  shall  prosper.  As  for  the 
unbelievers,  it  will  be  equal  to  them  whether  thou  admonish  them,  or 
do  not  admonish  them;  they  will  not  believe.  God  hath  sealed  up 
their  hearts  and  their  hearing;  a  dimness  covereth  their  sight,  and 
they  shall  suH'er  a  giievous  punishment.  There  are  some  who  say, 
"\\  e  believe  in  God  and  the  last  day,  but  are  not  really  believers; 
they  seek  to  deceive  God,  and  those  who  do  believe,  but  they  de- 
ceive themselves  only,  and  are  not  sensible  thereof.  There  is  an 
infirmity  in  their  hearts,  and  God  hath  increased  that  infirmity ;  and 
thev  shall  suiter  a  most  painful  punishment  because  they  have  dis- 
believed. When  one  saith  unto  them,  Act  not  corruptly  in  the  earth, 
they  reply,  Verily,  we  are  men  of  integrity.  Are  not  they  them- 
selves corrupt  doers?  but  they  are  not  sensible  thereof.  And  when 


14  AL  KORAN. 

one  saith  unto  them,  Believe  ye  as  others  believe ;  they  answer,  Shaft 
we  believe  as  fools  believe?  Are  not  they  themselves  fools?  but  they 
know  it  not.  When  they  meet  those  who  believe,  they  say,  We  <!.> 
believe:  but  when  they  retire  privately  to  their  devils,  they  say,  We 
really  hold  with  you,  and  only  mock  at  those  people:  God  shall  mock 
at  them,  and  continue  them  in  their  impiety;  they  shall  waiider  in  con- 
fusion. These  are  the  men  who  have  purchased  error  at  the  pi  ice  of 
true  direction :  but  their  traffic  hath  not  been  gainful,  neither  have 
they  been  rightly  directed.  They  are  like  unto  one  who  kinclleth  a 
fire,  and  when  it  hath  enlightened  all  around  him,  God  taketh  away 
fheir  light  and  leaveth  them  in  darkness,  they  shall  not  see;  they  are 
fleaf,  dumb,  and  blind,  therefore  will  they  not  repent.  Or  like  a 
stormy  cloud  from  heaven,  fraught  with  darkness,  thunder,  and  light- 
ning, they  put  their  fingers  in  their  ears,  because  of  the  noise  of  the 
thunder,  for  fear  of  death;  God  encompasseth  the  infidels:  the  light- 
ning wanteth  but  little  of  taking  away  their  sight;  so  often  as  it 
enlighteneth  them,  they  walk  therein,  but  when  darkness  comet h  on 
them,  they  stand  still;  and  if  God  so  pleased,  He  would  certainly 
deprive  them  of  their  hearing  and  their  sight,  for  God  is  almighty. 
O  men  of  Mecca !  serve  your  Lord  who  hath  created  you,  and  those 
who  have  been  before  you:  peradventure  ye  will  fear  him;  who  hath 
spread  the  earth  as  a  bed  for  you,  and  the  heaven  as  a  covering,  and 
hath  caused  water  to  descend  from  heaven,  and  thereby  produced 
fruits  for  your  sustenance.  Set  notiip  therefore  any  equals  unto 
God,  against  your  own  knowledge.  TT  ye  be  in  doubt  concerning 
that  revelation  which  we  have  sentdown  unto  our  servant,  produce  a 
chapter  like  unto  it,  and  call  upon  your  witnesses,  besides  God,  if  ye 
say  truth.  But  if  ye  do  it  not,  nor  shall  ever  be  able  to  do  it,  justly 
fear  the  fire  whose  fuel  is  men  and  stones,  prepared  for  the  unbe- 
lievers. But  bear  good  tidings  unto  those  who  believe,  and  do  good 
works,  that  they  shall  have  gardens  watered  by  rivers;  so  often  as 
they  eat  of  the  fruit  thereof  for  sustenance,  they  shall  say.  This  is  what 
we  have  formerly  eaten  of;  and  they  shall  be  supplied  with  several 
sorts  of  fruit  having  a  mutual  resemblance  to  one  another.  There 
shall  they  enjoy  wives  subject  to  no  impurity,  and  there  shall  they 
continue  for  ever.  Moreover  God  will  not  be  ashamed  to  propound 
in  a  parable  a  gnat,  or  even  a  more  despicable  thing:  for  they  whc 
believe  will  know  it  to  be  the  truth  from  their  Lord;  but  the  un- 
believers will  say,  What  meaneth  God  by  this  parable?  he  will  there- 
by mislead  many,  and  will  direct  many  thereby:  but  he  will  not  mis- 
lead any  thereby,  except  the  transgressors,  who  make  void  the  cove- 
nant of  God  after  the  establishing  thereof,  and  cut  in  sunder  that 
which  God  hath  commanded  to  be  joined,  and  act  corruptly  in  the 
earth:  they  shall  perish.  How  is  it  that  ye  believe  not  in  God? 
Since  ye  were  dead,  and  he  gave  you  life;  he  will  hereafter  cause  you 
to  die,  and  will  again  restore  you  to  life;  then  shall  ye  return  unto 
him.  It  is  he  who  hath  created  for  you  whatsoever  is  on  earth,  and 


AL  KORAN.  W, 

then  set  his  mind  to  the  creation  of  heaven,  and  formed  it  into  seven 
heavens;  he  knoweth  all  things.  When  thy  Lord  said  unto  the 
angels,  I  am  going  to  place  a  substitute  on  earth,  they  said.  Wilt 
thou  place  there  one  who  will  do  evil  therein,  and  shed  blood?  but 
we  celebrate  thy  praise,  and  sanctify  thee.  God  answered,  Verily  I 
know  that  which  ye  know  not;  and  he  taught  Adam  the  names  of 
all  things,  and  then  proposed  them  to  the  angels,  and  said,  Declaie 
unto  me  the  names  of  these  things  if  ye  say  truth.  They  answered, 
Praise  lie  unto  thee,  we  have  no  knowledge  but  what  thou  teachest 
as,  for  thou  art  knowing  and  wise.  God  said,  O  Adam,  tell  them 
their  names.  And  when  he  had  told  them  their  names,  God  said, 
Did  I  not  tell  you  that  I  know  the  secrets  of  heaven  and  earth,  and 
know  that  which  ye  discover,  and  that  which  ye  conceal?  And 
when  we  said  unto  the  angels,  Worship  Adam,  they  all  worshipped 
him  except  Eblis,  who  refused,  and  was  puffed  up  with  pride,  and 
became  of  the  number  of  unbelievers.  And  we  said,  O  Adam,  dwell 
thou  and  thy  wife  in  the  garden,  and  eat  of  the  fruit  thereof  plenti- 
fully wherever  ye  will;  but  approach  not  this  tree,  lest  ye  become 
of  the  number  of  the  transgressors.  But  Satan  caused  them  to  for- 
feit paradise,  and  turned  them  out  of  the  state  of  happiness  wherein 
they  had  been ;  whereupon  we  said,  Get  ye  down,  the  one  of  you  an 
enemy  unto  the  other;  and  there  shall  be  a  dwelling-place  for  you  on 
earth,  and  a  provision  for  a  season.  And  Adam  learned  words  of 
prayer  from  his  Lord,  and  God  turned  unto  him,  for  he  is  easy  to 
be  reconciled  and  merciful.  We  said,  Get  ye  all  down  from  hence; 
hereafter  shall  there  come  unto  you  a  direction  from  me,  and  who- 
ever shall  follow  my  direction,  on  them  shall  no  fear  come,  neither 
shall  they  be  grieved;  but  they  who  shall  be  unbelievers,  and  accuse 
our  signs  of  falsehood,  they  shall  be  the  companions  of  hell  tire, 
therein  shall  they  remain  for  ever.  O  children  of  Israel,  remember 
my  favour  wherewith  I  have  favoured  you;  and  perform  your  cove- 
nant with  me,  and  I  will  perform  my  covenant  with  you;  and  revere 
me:  and  believe  in  the  revelation  which  I  have  sent  down,  confirming 
that  which  is  with  you,  and  be  not  the  first  who  believe  not  therein, 
nri'her  exchange  my  signs  for  a  small  price;  and  fear  me.  Clothe 
not  the  truth  with  vanity,  neither  conceal  the  truth  against  your 
own  knowledge;  observe  the  stated  times  of  praj'er,  and  pay  your 
Jegal  alms,  and  bowrdown  yourselves  with  those  who  bow  down. 
"Will  ye  command  men  to  do  justice,  and  forget  your  own  souls?  y«' 
ye  read  the  book  of  the  law:  do  ye  not  therefore  understand?  Ask 
help  with  perseverance  and  prayer;  this  indeed  is  grievous,  unless 
to  the  humble,  wrho  seriously  think  they  shall  meet  their  Lord,  and 
that  to  him  they  shall  return.  O  children  of  Israel,  remember  my 
favour  wherewith  I  have  favoured  you,  and  that  1  have  preferred  you 
above  all  nations:  dread  the  day  wherein  one  soul  shall  not  make  sat- 
isfaction for  another  soul,  neither  shall  any  intercession  be  accepted 
from  them.  "^r  shall  any  compensation  "be  received,  neither  shah1 


M  AITKORAR    -  ^ 

they  be  helped.  Remember  when  we  delivered  yon  from  the  people 
^  of  Pharaoh,  who  grievously  oppressed  you,  they  slew  your  male 
)  children,  and  let  your  females  live:  therein  was  a  great  trial  from 
.  your  Lord.  And  when  we  divided  the  sea  for  you  and  delivered 
you  and  drowned  Pharaoh's  people  while  ye  looked  on.  And  when 
we  treated  with  Moses  forty  nights;  then  ye  took  the  calf  for  your 
God,  and  did  evil;  yet  afterwards  we  forgave  you,  that  peradventure 
ye  might  give  thanks.  And  when  we  gave  Moses  the  book  of  the  law, 
and  the  distinction  between  good  and  evil,  that  peradventure  ye  might 
be  directed.  And  when  Moses  said  unto  his  people,  O  my  people, 
verily  ye  have  injured  your  own  souls,  by  your  taking  the  calf  for  yoiu 
God;  therefore  be  turned  unto  your  Creator,  and  slay  those  anio  g 
you  who  have  been  guilty  of  that  crime;  this  will  be  better  for  you  in 
the  sight  of  your  Creator:  and  thereupon  he  turned  unto  you,  for  lie  i.s 
easy  to  be  reconciled,  and  merciful.  And  when  ye  said,  O  Mo>cs, 
we  will  not  believe  thee,  until  we  see  God  manifestly;  therefore  a  pun- 
ishment came  upon  you,  while  ye  looked  on ;  then  we  raised  you  to  life 
after  ye  had  been  dead,  that  peradventure  ye  might  give  thanks.  And 
we  caused  clouds  to  overshadow  you,  and  manna  and  quails  to  de- 
scend upon  vou,  saying,  Eat  of  the  good  things  which  we  have  given 
you  for  food:  and  they  injured  not  us,  but  injured  their  own  souls. 
And  when  we  said,  Enter  into  this  city,  and  eat  of  the  provisions 
thereof  plentifully  as  ye  vrill;  and  enter  the  gate  worshipping,  and 
say,  Forgiveness!  we  will  pardon  you  your  sins,  and  give  increase 
unto  the  well-doers.  But  the  ungodly  changed  the  expression  into 
another,  different  from  what  had  been  spoken  unto  them ;  and  we 
sent  down  upon  the  ungodly  indignation  from  heaven,  because  they 
had  transgressed.  And  when  Moses  asked  drink  for  his  people,  we 
said,  Strike  the  rock  with  thy  rod;  and  there  gushed  thereout  twelve 
fountains  according  to  the  number  of  the  tribes,  and  all  men  knew  their 
respective  drinking-place.  Eat  and  drink  of  the  bounty  of  God,  and 
commit  not  evil  in  the  earth,  acting  unjustly.  And  when  ye  said, 
O  Moses,  we  will  by  no  means  be  satisfied  with  one  kind  of  food; 
pray  unto  thy  Lord  therefore  for  us,  that  he  would  produce  for  us 
of  that  which  the  earth  bringeth  forth,  herbs,  and  cucumbers,  and 
garlic,  and  lentils,  and  onions;  Moses  answered,  Will  ye  exchange 
that  which  is  better,  for  that  which  is  worse  ?  Get  ye  down  into 
Egypt,  for  there  shall  ye  find  what  ye  desire :  and  they  were  smitten 
with  vileness  and  misery,  and  drew  on  themselves  indignation  from 
God.  This  they  suffered,  because  they  believed  not  in  the  signs  of 
God,  and  killed  the  prophets  unjustly;  this,  because  they  rebelled 
and  transgressed.  Surely  those  who  believe,  and  those  who  Judaize, 
and  Christians,  and  Sabians,  whoever  believeth  in  God,  and  the 
last  day,  and  doth  that  which  is  right,  they  shall  have  their  rowan1 
with  their  Lord;  there  shall  come  no  fear  on  them,  neither  sh;ili 
they  be  grieved.  Call  to  mind  also  when  we  accepted  your  covenant. 
and.  lifted  up  the  mountain  of  Sinai  over  you,  saying,  Receive  the  !:i\\ 


AL  KORAN.  17 

which  we  have  given  you,  with  a  resolution  to  keep  it,  and  remember 
that  which  is  contained  therein,  that  ye  may  beware.  After  this  ye 
again  turned  back,  so  that  if  it  had  not  been  for  God's  indulgence 
and  mercy  towards  you,  ye  had  certainly  been  destroyed.  Moreover 
ye  know  what  befell  those  of  your  nation  who  transgressed  on  the 
sabbath  day;  We  said  unto  them,  Be  ye  changed  into  apes,  driven 
away  from  the  society  of  men.  And  we  made  them  an  example  unto 
those  who  were  contemporary  with  them,  and  unto  those  who  came 
after  them,  and  a  warning  to  the  pious.  And  when  Moses  said  unto 
his  people,  Verily  God  commandeth  you  to  sacrifice  a  cow;  they 
answered,  Dost  thou  make  a  jest  of  us?  Moses  said,  God  forbid 
that  I  should  be  one  of  the  foolish.  They  said,  Pray  for  us  unto 
thy  Lord,  that  he  would  show  us  what  cow  it  is.  Moses  answered, 
He  saith,  She  is  neither  an  old  cow,  nor  a  young  heifer,  but  of  a 
middle  age  between  both:  do  ye  therefore  that  which  ye  are  com- 
manded. They  said,  Pray  for  us  unto  thy  Lord,  that  he  would 
gho\v  us  what  eolour  she  is  of.  Moses  answered,  He  saith,  She  is  a 
red  cow,  intensely  red,  her  colour  rejoiceth  the  beholders.  They 
said,  Pray  for  us  unto  thy  Lord,  that  he  would  further  show  us 
what  cow  it  is,  for  several  cows  with  us  are  like  one  another,  and  we, 
if  God  please,  will  be  directed.  Moses  answered,  He  saith,  She  is  a 
cow  not  broken  to  plough  the  earth,  or  water  the  field,  a  sound  one, 
there  is  no  blemish  in  her.  They  said,  Now  hast  thou  brought  the 
truth.  Then  they  sacrificed  her;  yet  they  wanted  little  of  leaving  it 
undone.  And  when  ye  slew  a  man,  and  contended  among  yourselves 
concerning  him.  God  brought  forth  to  light  that  which  ye  concealed. 
For  we  said,  Strike  the  dead  body  with  part  of  the  sacrificed  cow:  so 
God  raiseth  the  dead  to  life,  and'  showeth  you  his  signs,  that  perad- 
venture  ye  may  understand.  Then  were  your  hearts  hardened  after 
this,  even  as  stones,  or  exceeding  them  in  hardness:  for  from  some 
stones  have  rivers  bursted  forth,  others  have  been  rent  in  sunder,  and 
water  hath  issued  from  them,  and  others  have  fallen  down  for  fear 
of  God.  But  God  is  not  regardless  of  that  which  ye  do.  Do  ye 
therefore  desire  that  the  Jews  sliould  believe  you?  yet  a  part  of  them 
heard  the  word  of  God,  and  then  perverted  it,  after  they  had  under- 
stood it,  against  their  own  conscience.  And  when  they  meet  the 
true  believers,  they  say.  We  believe:  but  when  they  are  privately  as- 
sembled together,  they  say,  Will  ye  acquaint  them  with  what  God 
hath  revealed  unto  you,  that  they  may  dispute  with  you  concerning 
it  in  the  presence  of  your  Lord?  Do  ye  not  therefore  understand? 
Do  not  they  know  that  Gc-d  knoweth  that  which  they  conceal  as 
well  as  that  which  they  publish?  But  there  are  illiterate  men  among 
them,  who  know  not  the  book  of  the  law,  but  only  lying  stories,  al- 
though they  think  otherwise.  And  woe  unto  them  who  transcribe 
corruptly  the  book  of  the  law  with  their  hands,  and  then  say,  This 
is  from  God :  that  they  may  sell  it  for  a  small  price.  Therefore  woe 
unto  them  because  of  that  which  their  .hands  have  written ;  and  woe 


18  AL  KORAN. 

unto  them  for  that  which  they  have  gained.  They  say,  The  fire  of 
hell  shall  not  touch  us  but  for  a  certain  number  of  days.  Answer, 
Have  ye  received  any  promise  from  God  to  that  purpose?  for  God 
will  not  act  contrary  to  his  promise :  or  do  ye  speak  concerning  God 
that  which  ye  know  not?  Verily  whoso  doth  evil,  and  is  cncom 
passed  by  his  iniquity,  they  shall  be  the  companions  of  hell  fire,  they 
shall  remain  therein  for  ever:  but  they  who  believe  and  do  good 
works,  they  shall  be  the  companions  of  paradise,  they  shall  continue 
therein  for  ever.  Remember  also,  when  we  accepted  the  covenant  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  saying,  Ye  shall  not  worship  any  other  except 
God,  and  ye  shall  show  kindness  to  your  parents  and  kindred,  and  to 
orphans,  and  to  the  poor,  and  speak  that  which  is  good  unto  men, 
and  be  constant  at  prayer,  and  give  alms.  Afterwards  ye  turned 
back,  except  a  few  of  you,  and  retired  afar  off.  And  when  we  ac- 
cepted your  covenant,  saying,  Ye  shall  not  shed  your  brother's  blood, 
nor  dispossess  one  another  of  your  habitations.  Then  ye  confirmed 
it,  and  were  witnesses  thereto.  Afterwards  ye  were  they  who  slew 
one  another,  and  turned  several  of  your  brethren  out  of  their  houses, 
mutually  assisting  each  other  against  them  with  injustice  and  enmity; 
but  if  they  come  captives  unto  you,  ye  redeem  them:  yet  it  is  equally 
unlawful  for  you  to  dispossess  them.  Do  ye  therefore  believe  in 
part  of  the  book  of  the  law,  and  reject  other  part  thereof?  But  who- 
so among  you  doth  this,  shall  have  no  other  reward  than  shame  in 
this  life,  and  on  the  day  of  resurrection  they  shall  be  sent  to  a  most 
grievous  punishment ;  for  God  is  not  regardless  of  that  which  ye  do. 
These  are  they  who  have  purchased  tins  present  life,  at  the  price  of 
that  which  is  to  come;  wherefore  their  punishment  shall  not  be  miti- 
gated, neither  shall  they  be  helped.  We  formerly  delivered  the  book 
of  the  law  unto  Moses,  and  caused  apostles  to  succeed  him,  and  gave 
evident  miracles  to  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary,  and  strengthened  him  with 
the  holy  spirit.  Do  ye  therefore,  whenever  an  apostle  cometh  unto 
you  with  that  which  your  souls  desire  not,  proudly  reject  him,  and 
accuse  some  of  imposture,  and  slay  others?  The  Jews  say,  Our 
hearts  are  uncircumcised :  but  God  hath  cursed  them  with  their  in- 
fidelity, therefore  few  shall  believe.  And  when  a  book  came  unto 
them  from  God,  confirming  the  scriptures  which  were  with  them,  al- 
though they  had  before  prayed  for  assistance  against  those  who  be- 
lieved not,  yet  when  that  came  unto  them  which  they  knew  to  be  from 
God,  they  would  not  believe  therein:  therefore  the  curse  of  God  shall 
be  on  the  infidels.  For  a  vile  price  have  they  sold  their  souls,  that 
they  should  not  believe  in  that  which  God  hath  sent  down;  out  of 
envy,  because  God  sendeth  down  his  favours  to  such  of  his  servants 
»s  he  pleaseth:  therefore  they  brought  on  themselves  indignation  on 
indiirnation;  and  the  unbelievers  shall  suffer  an  ignominious  punish- 
ment. When  one  saith  unto  them,  Believe  in  that  which  God  hath 
sent  down:  they  answer,  We  believe  in  that  which  hath  been  sent 
down  unto  us:  and  they  reject  what  hath  been  revealed  since,  al- 


AL  KORAN.  19 

though  it  be  the  truth,  confirming  that  which  is  with  them.  Say, 
Why  therefore  have  ye  slain  the  prophets  of  God  in  times  past,  if 
ye  be  true  believers?  Moses  formerly  came  unto  you  with  evident 
signs,  but  ye  afterwards  took  the  calf  for  your  god  and  did  wickedly. 
And  when  we  accepted  your  covenant,  and  lifted  the  mountain  of 
Sinai  over  you,  saying,  Receive  the  law  which  we  have  given  you, 
with  a  resolution  to  perform  it,  and  hear;  they  said,  We  have  heard, 
and  have  rebelled :  and  they  were  made  to  drink  down  the  calf  into 
their  hearts  for  their  unbelief.  Say,  A  grievous  thing  hath  your 
faith  commanded  you,  if  ye  be  true  believers.  Say,  If  the  future 
mansion  with  God  be  prepared  peculiarly  for  you,  exclusive  of  the 
rest  of  mankind,  wish  for  death,  if  ye  say  truth:  but  they  will  never 
wish  for  it,  because  of  that  which  their  hands  have  sent  before  them: 
God  knoweth  the  wicked  doers;  and  thou  shall  surely  find  them  of 
all  men  the  most  covetous  of  life,  even  more  than  the  idolaters:  one 
of  them  would  desire  his  life  to  be  prolonged  a  thousand  years,  but 
none  shall  reprieve  himself  from  punishment,  that  his  life  may  be 
prolonged :  God  seeth  that  which  they  do.  Say,  Whoever  is  an  en- 
emy to  Gabriel  (for  he  hath  caused  the  Koran  to  descend  on  thy 
heart,  by  the  permission  of  God,  confirming  that  which  was  before 
revealed,  a  direction,  and  good  tidings  to  the  faithful):  whosoever  is 
an  enemy  to  God,  or  his  angels,  or  his  apostles,  or  to  Gabriel,  or 
Michael,  verily  God  is  an  enemy  to  the  unbelievers.  And  now  we 
have  sent  down  imto  thee  evident  signs,  and  nciie  will  disbelieve 
them  but  the  evil-doers.  Whenever  they  make  a  covenant,  will  some 
of  them  reject  it?  yea,  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not  believe.  And 
when  there  came  unto  them  an  apostle  from  God,  confirming  that 
scripture  which  was  with  them,  some  of  those  to  whom  the  scriptures 
were  given,  cast  the  book  of  God  behind  their  backs,  as  if  they  knew 
it  not:  and  they  followed  the  device  which  the  devils  devised  against 
the  kingdom  of  Solomon ;  and  Solomon  was  not  an  unbeliever;  but 
the  devils  believed  not,  they  taught  men  sorcery,  and  that  which  was 
sent  down  to  the  two  angels  at  Babel,  Harut  and  Marut:  yet  those 
two  taught  no  man  until  they  had  said,  Verily  we  are  a  temptation, 
therefore  be  not  an  unbeliever.  So  men  learned  from  those  two  a 
charm  by  which  they  might  cause  division  between  a  man  and  his 
wife;  but  they  hurt  none  thereby,  unless  by  God's  permission;  and 
they  learned  that  which  would  hurt  them,  and  not  profit  them;  and 
yet  they  knew  that  he  who  bought  that  art  should  have  no  part  in 
the  life  to  come,  and  woeful  is  the  price  for  which  they  have  sold 
their  souls,  if  they  knew  it.  But  if  they  had  believed  and  feared  God, 
verily  the  reward  they  would  have  had  from  God  would  have  been 
heft  IT,  if  they  had  known  it.  O  true  believers,  say  not  to  our 
apostle,  Rain  a;  but  say,  Omlhorna;  and  hearken:  the  infidels  shal' 
Miller  a  grievous  punishment.  It  is  not  the  desire  of  the  unbelievers, 
cither  among  those  unto  whom  the  scriptures  have  been  given,  or 
among  the  idolaters,  that  any  good  should  be  sent  down  unto  you 


20  AL  KORAN. 

from  your  Lord:  out  God  will  appropriate  his  mercy  unto  whom  he 
pleaseth;  for  God  is  exceeding  beneficent.  Whatever  verse  we  shall 
abrogate,  or  cause  thee  to  forget,  we  will  bring  a  better  than  it,  or  one 
like  unto  it.  Dost  thou  not  know  that  God  is  almighty?  Dost  thou 
not  know  that  unto  God  belougeth  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth? 
neither  have  ye  any  protector  or  helper  except  God.  Will  ye  require 
of  your  apos'tle  Recording  to  that  which  was  formerly  required  of 
Moses?  but  he  that  hath  exchanged  faith  for  infidelity,  hath  already 
erred  from  the  straight  way.  Many  of  those  unto  whom  the  scriptures 
have  been  given,  desire  to  render  you  again  unbelievers,  after  ye  nave 
believed;  out  of  envy  from  their  souls,  even  after  the  truth  is  become 
manifest  unto  them;  but  forgive  them,  and  avoid  them,  till  God  >hall 
send  his  command;  for  God  is  omnipotent.  Be  constant  in  prayer, 
and  give  alms;  and  what  good  ye  have  sent  before  for  your  souls,  ye 
shall  find  it  with  God;  surely  God  seeth  that  which  ye  do.  They  >ay, 
Verily  none  shall  enter  paradise,  except  they  who  are  Jews  or  Chris- 
tian -:  this  is  their  wish.  Say,  Produce  your  proof  of  this,  if  ye  speak 
truth.  Nay,  but  he  who  resigneth  himself  to  God,  and  doth  that 
which  is  right,  he  shall  have  his  reward  with  his  Lord;  there  shall 
come  no  fear  on  them,  neither  shall  they  be  grieved.  The  Jews  -ay, 
The  Christians  are  grounded  on  nothing;  and  the  Christians  say.  The 
Jews  are  grounded  on  nothing:  yet  they  both  read  the  scriptures.  So 
likewise  say  they  who  know  not  the  scripture,  according  to  their  say- 
ing. But  God  shall  judge  between  them  on  the  day  of  the  resurrec- 
tion, concerning  that  about  which  they  now  disagree.  Who  is  more 
unjust  than  he  who  prohibiteth  the  temples  of  God,  that  his  name 
should  be  remembered  therein,  and  who  hasteth  to  destroy  them? 
Those  men  cannot  enter  therein,  but  with  fear:  they  shall  have  shame 
in  this  world,  and  in  the  next  a  grievous  punishment.  To  God  be- 
longeth  the  east  and  the  west;  therefore,  whithersoever  ye  turn  your- 
selves to  pray,  there  is  the  face  of  God ;  for  God  is  omnipresent  and 
omniscient.  They  say,  God  hath  begotten  children:  God  forbid! 
To  him  belougeth  whatever  is  in  heaven,  and  on  earth ;  all  is  possessed 
by  him,  the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth;  and  when  he  decreeth  a 
thing,  he  only  saith  unto  it,  Be,  and  it  is.  And  they  who  know  not 
the  scriptures  say.  Unless  God  speak  unto  us,  or  thou  show  us  a  sign, 
we  will  not  believe.  Bo  said  those  before  them,  according  to  their  say- 
ing: their  hearts  resemble  each  other.  We  have  already  shown 
manifest  signs  unto  people  who  firmly  believe:  we  have  sent  thee  in 
truth,  a  bearer  of  good  tidings,  and  a  preacher;  and  thou  shall  not  lie 
questioned  concerning  the  companions  of  hell.  But  the  Jews  will 
not  be  pleased  with  thee,  neither  the  Christians,  until  thou  follow 
their  religion;  say,  The  direction  of  God  is  the  true  direction.  And 
verily  if  thou  follow  their  desires,  after  the  knowledge  which  bath 
been  given  thee,  thou  shall  find  no  patron  or  protector  against  God 
They  to  whom  we  have  given  the  book  of  the  Koran,  and  who  read 
it  with  its  true  reading,  they  believe  therein;  and  whoever  believe!  1) 


AL  KORAN.  21 

HOT  therein,  they  shall  perish.  O  children  of  Israel,  remember  my 
favour  wherewith  1  have  favoured  you,  and  that  I  have  preferred 
you  before  all  nations;  and  dread  the  day  wherein  one  soul  shall  not 
make  satisfaction  for  another  soul,  neither  shall  any  compensation  be 
a.-cepted  from  them,  nor  shall  any  intercession  avail,  neither  shall 
they  be  helped.  Kenieinl>er  when  the  Lord  tried  Abraham  by  certain 
words,  which  he  fulfilled:  God  said,  Verily  I  will  constitute  thee  a 
model  of  religion  unto  mankind;  he  answered.  And  also  of  my 
posterity:  God  said,  My  covenant  doth  not  comprehend  the  ungodly. 
And  when  we  appointed  the  holy  house  of  Mecca  to  be  the  place  of 
resort  for  mankind,  and  a  place  of  security ;  and  said,  Take  the  station 
of  Abraham  for  a  place  of  prayer;  and  we  covenanted  with  Abraham 
and  Ismael,  that  they  should  cleanse  my  house  for  those  who  should 
compass  it,  and  those  who  should  be  devoutly  assiduous  there,  and 
those  who  should  bow  down  and  worship.  And  when  Abraham  said, 
Lord,  make  this  a  territory  of  security,  and  bounteously  bestow  fruits 
on  its  inhabitants,  such  of  them  as  believe  in  God  and  the  last  day; 
God  answered,  And  whoever  believeth  not,  I  will  bestow  on  him  little, 
afterwards  I  will  drive  him  to  the  punishment  of  hell  fire ;  an  ill 
journey  shall  it  be!  And  when  Abraham  and  Ismael  raised  the  foun- 
dations of  the  house,  saying,  Lord,  accept  it  from  us,  for  thou  art  he 
who  heareth  and  kuoweth:  Lord,  make  us  also  resigned  unto  thee, 
and  of  our  posterity  a  people  resigned  unto  thee,  and  show  us  our 
holy  ceremonies,  and  be  turned  unto  us,  for  thou  art  easy  to  be  rec- 
onciled, and  merciful:  Lord,  send  them  likewise  an  apostle  from 
among  them,  who  may  declare  thy  signs  unto  them;  and  teach  them 
the  book  of  theKorfin  and  wisdom,  and  may  purify  them;  for  thou 
art  mighty  and  wise.  Who  will  be  averse  to'the  religion  of  Abraham, 
but  he  whose  mind  is  infatuated?  Surely  we  have  chosen  him  in  this 
world,  and  in  that  which  is  to  come  he  shall  be  one  of  the  righteous. 
When  his  Lord  said  unto  him,  Resign  thyself  unto  me;  he  answered, 
I  have  resigned  myself  unto  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  And  Abraham 
bequeathed  this  religion  to  his  children,  and  Jacob  did  the  same,  say- 
ing. My  children,  verily  God  hath  chosen  this  religion  for  you,  there- 
fore die  not,  unless  ye  also  be  resigned.  Were  ye  present  when 
Jacob  was  at  the  point  of  death?  when  he  said  to  his  sons,  Whom. 
will  ye  worship  after  me?  They  answered,  We  will  worship  thy 
God,  and  the  God  of  thy  fathers,"  Abraham,  and  Ismael,  and  Isaac, 
one  God,  and  to  him  will  we  be  resigned.  That  people  are  now 
passed  away,  they  have  what  they  have  gained,  and  ye  shall  have 
what  ye  gain;  and  ye  shall  not  be  questioned  concerning  that  which 
they  have  done.  They  say,  Become  Jews  or  Christians  that  ye  may 
be  directed.  Say.  Nay,  we  follow  the  religion  of  Abraham  the  or- 
thodox, who  was  no  idolater.  Say,  We  believe  in  God,  and  that 
which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  us,  and  that  which  hath  been  sent 
down  unto  Abraham,  and  Ismael,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  the 
tribes,  aad  that  which  was  delivered  unto  Moses,  and  Jesus,  aiid  that 


23  AL  KORAN. 

which  was  delivered  unto  the  prophets  from  their  Lord:  "We  make 
no  distinction  between  any  of  them,  and  to  God  are  we  resigned. 
Nowr  if  they  believe  according  to  what  ye  believe,  they  are  surely 
directed,  but  if  they  turn  back,  they  are  in  schism.  God  shall  sup- 
port thee  against  them,  for  he  is  the  hearer,  the  wise.  The  baptism 
of  God  have  we  received,  and  who  is  better  than  God  to  baptize?  him 
do  we  worship.  Say,  Will  ye  dispute  with  us  concerning  God,  who 
is  our  Lord,  and  your  Lord  ?  we  have  our  works,  and  ye  have  your 
works,  and  unto  him  are  we  sincerely  devoted.  "Will  ye  say,  Truly 
Abraham,  and  Ismael,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  the  tribes  were 
Jews  or  Christians?  Say,  Are  ye  wiser,  or  God?  And  who  is  more 
unjust  than  he  who  hideth  the  testimony  which  he  hath  received  from 
God?  But  God  is  not  regardless  of  that  which  ye  do.  That  people 
air  passed  away,  they  have  what  they  have  gained,  and  ye  shall  have 
what  ye  gain,  nor  shall  ye  be  questioned  concerning  that  which  they 
have  done.  (II.)  The  foolish  men  will  say,  What  hath  turned  them 
from  their  Keblah,  towards  which  they  formerly  prayed?  Say.  Unto 
God  belongeth  the  east  and  the  west:  he  directeth  whom  he  please  th 
into  the  right  way.  Thus  have  we  placed  you,  O  Arabians,  an  inter- 
mediate nation,  that  ye  may  be  witnesses  against  the  rest  of  mankind, 
and  that  the  apostle  may  be  a  witness  against  you.  We  appointed 
the  Keblah  towards  which  thou  didst  formerly  pray,  only  that  we 
might  know  him  who  f  olloweth  the  apostle,  from  him  who  turneth 
back  on  his  heels;  though  this  change  seem  a  great  matter,  unless  unto 
those  whom  God  hath  directed.  But  God  will  not  render  your  faith 
of  none  effect ;  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful  unto  man.  We  have 
seen  thee  turn  about  thy  face  towards  heaven  with  uncertainty,  but 
we  will  cause  thee  to  turn  thyself  towards  a  Keblah  that  will  please 
thee.  Turn  therefore  thy  face  towards  the  holy  temple  of  Mecca: 
and  wherever  ye  be,  turn  your  faces  towards  that  place.  They  to 
whom  the  scripture  hath  been  given,  know  this  to  be  truth  from  their 
Lord.  God  is  not  regardless  of  that  which  ye  do.  Verily  although 
thou  shouldest  show  unto  those  to  whom  the  scripture  hath  been  given 
all  kinds  of  signs,  yet  they  will  not  follow  thy  Keblah,  neither  shalt 
thou  follow  their  Keblah;  nor  will  one  part  of  them  follow  the  Keblah 
of  the  other.  And  if  thou  follow  their  desires,  after  the  knowledge 
which  hath  been  given  thee,  verily  thou  wilt  become  one  of  the  un- 
godly. They  to  whom  we  have  given  the  scripture  know  our  apostle, 
even  as  they  know  their  own  children ;  but  some  of  them  hide  the 
truth  against  their  own  knowledge.  Truth  is  from  thy  Lord,  there- 
fore thou  shalt  not  doubt.  Every  >«-ct  hath  a  certain  tract  of  heaven 
to  which  they  turn  themselves  in  prayer;  but  do  ye  strive  to  run 
after  good  things:  wherever  ye  be,  God  will  bring  you  all  back  at  the 
resurrection,  for  God  is  almighty.  And  from  whalt  place  soever  thou 
comest  fcrth,  turn  thy  face  towards  the  holy  k'lnple:  for  this  is  truth 
from  thy  Lord;  neither  is  God  regardless  of  that  which  ye  do.  From 
what  place  soever  thou  comest  forth,  turn  thy  1'ace  towards  the  holy 


AL  KORAN.  33 

temple;  and  wherever  ye  be,  thitherward  turn  your  faces,  lest  men 
have  matter  of  dispute  against  you ;  but  as  for  those  among  them  who 
lire  unjust  doers,  fear  them  not,  but  fear  me,  that  I  may  accomplish 
my  grace  upon  you,  and  that  ye  may  be  directed,  As  we  have  sent 
uiito  you  an  apostle  from  among  you,  to  rehearse  our  signs  unto  you, 
and  to  purify  you,  and  to  teach  you  the  book  of  the  KorSn  and 
wisdom,  and  to  teach  you  that  which  ye  knew  not:  therefore  re- 
member me,  and  I  will  remember  you,  and  give  thanks  unto  me,  and 
be  not  unbelievers.  O  true  believers,  beg  assistance  with  patience 
and  prayer,  for  God  is  with  the  patient.  And  say  not  of  those  who 
are  slain  in  fight  for  the  religion  of  God,  that  they  are  dead;  yea, they 
are  living:  but  ye  do  not  understand.  We  will  surely  prove  you  by 
afflicting  you  in  some  measure  with  fear,  and  hunger,  and  decrease  of 
wealth,  and  loss  of  lives,  and  scarcity  of  fruits:  but  bear  good  tidings 
unto  the  patient,  who  when  a  misfortune  bef  alleth  them,  say,  We  are 
God's,  and  unto  him  shall  we  surely  return.  Upon  them  shall  be 
blessings  from  their  Lord  and  mercy,  and  they  are  the  rightly  directed. 
Moreover  Safa  and  Merwah  are  two  of  the  monuments  of  God:  who- 
ever therefore  goeth  on  pilgrimage  to  the  temple  of  Mecca  or  visiteth 
it,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  him  if  he  compass  them  both.  And  as  for 
him  who  voluntarily  performeth  a  good  work;  verily  God  is  grateful 
and  knowing.  They  who  conceal  any  of  the  evident  signs,  or  the 
direction  which  we  have  sent  down,  after  what  we  have  manifested 
unto  men  in  the  scripture,  God  shall  curse  them;  and  they  who  curse 
ehal!  curse  them.  But  as  for  those  who  repent  and  amend,  and  make 
known  what  they  concealed,  I  will  be  turned  unto  them,  for  I  am  easy 
to  be  reconciled  and  merciful.  Surely  they  who  believe  not,  and  die 
in  their  unbelief,  upon  them  shall  be  the  curse  of  God,  and  of  the 
angels,  and  of  all  men;  they  shall  remain  under  it  forever,  their 
punishment  shall  not  be  alleviated,  neither  shall  they  be  regarded. 
Your  God  is  one  God,  there  is  no  God  but  He,  the  most  merciful. 
Now  in  the  creation  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  vicissitude  of  night 
and  day,  and  in  the  ship  which  saileth  in  the  sea,  loaden  with  what  is 
profitable  for  mankind,  and  in  the  rain-water  which  God  sendeth 
from  heaven,  quickening  thereby  the  dead  earth,  and  replenishing 
the  same  with  all  sorts  of  cattle,  and  in  the  change  of  winds,  and  the 
clouds  that  are  compelled  to  do  service  between  heaven  and  earth, 
are  signs  to  people  of  understanding:  yet  some  men  take  idols  beside 
God,  and  love  them  as  with  the  love  due  to  God;  but  the  true  be- 
lievers are  more  fervent  in  love  towards  God.  Oh  that  they  who  act 
mjustly  did  perceive,  when  they  behold  their  punishment,  that  all 
power  belongeth  unto  God,  aiid  that  he  is  severe  in  punishing! 
iVhen  those  who  have  been  followed,  shall  separate  themselves  from 
their  followers,  and  shall  see  the  punishment,  and  the  cords  of  rela- 
tion between  them  shall  be  cut  in  sunder;  the  followers  shall  say,  If 
we  could  return  to  life,  we  would  separate  ourselves  from  them,  as 
\heyhave  now  separated,  tlieuiselves_from  us.  So  God  will  show 


24  AL  KORAN. 

them  their  works;  they  shall  sigh  grievously,  and  shall  not  come 
forth  from  the  fire  of  hell.  O  men,  eat  of  that  which  is  lawful  and 
good  on  the  earth ;  and  tread  not  in  the  steps  of  the  devil,  for  he  is 
your  open  enemy.  Verily  he  commandeth  you  evil  and  wickedness, 
and  that  ye  should  say  that  of  God  which  ye  know  not.  And  when 
it  is  said  unto  them  who  believe  not,  Follow  that  which  God  hath 
sent  down;  they  answer,  Nay,  but  we  will  follow  that  which  we 
found  our  fathers  practise.  What?  though  their  fathers  knew  noth- 
ing, and  were  not  rightly  directed?  The  unbelievers  are  like  unto 
one  who  crieth  aloud  to 'that  which  heareth  not  so  much  as  his  call- 
ing, or  the  sound  of  his  voice.  They  are  deaf,  dumb,  and  blind, 
therefore  they  do  not  understand.  O  true  believers,  eat  of  the  good 
^nings  which  we  have  bestowed  on  you  for  food,  and  return  thanks 
unto  God,  if  ye  serve  him.  Verily  lie  hath  forbidden  you  to  eat  that 
which  dieth  of  itself,  and  blood,  and  swine's  flesh,  and  that  on  which 
any  other  name  but  God's  hath  been  invocated.  But  he  who  is  forced 
by" necessity,  not  lusting,  nor  returning  to  transgress,  it  shall  be  no 
crime  in  him  if  he  eat  of  those  things,  for  God  is  gracious  and  merci- 
ful. Moreover  they  who  conceal  any  part  of  the  scripture  which  God 
hath  sent  down  unto  them,  and  sell  it  for  a  small  price,  they  shall 
swallow  into  their  bellies  nothing  but  fire;  God  shall  not  speak 
unto  them  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  neither  shall  he  purify  them, 
and  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment.  These  are  they  who 
have  sold  direction  for  error,  and  pardon  for  punishment:  but  how 
great  will  their  suffering  be  in  the  fire!  This  they  shall  endure, 
because  God  sent  down  the  book  of  the  Koran  with  truth,  and 
they  who  disagree  concerning  that  book,  are  certainly  in  a  wide  mis- 
take. It  is  not  righteousness  that  ye  turn  your  faces  in  prayer  to- 
wards the  east  and  the  west,  but  righteousness  is  of  him  who  believcth 
in  God  and  the  last  day,  and  the  angels,  and  the  scriptures,  and  the 
prophets;  who  giveth  money  for  God's  sake  unto  his  kindred,  and 
unto  orphans,  and  the  needy,  and  the  stranger,  and  those  who  ask, 
and  for  redemption  of  captives;  who  is  constant  at  prayer,  and  giveth 
alms;  and  of  those  who  perform  their  covenant,  when  they  have 
covenanted,  and  who  behave  themselves  patiently  in  adversity,  and 
hardships,  and  in  time  of  violence:  these  are  they  who  are  true, 
and  these  are  they  who  fear  God.  O  true  believers,  the  law  of  re- 
taliation is  ordained  you  for  the  slain:  the  free  shall  die  for  the  free 
and  the  servant  for  the  servant,  and  a  woman  for  a  woman :  but  he 
whom  his  brother  shall  forgive,  mav  be  prosecuted,  and  obliged  to 
make  satisfaction  according  to  what  is  just,  and  a  fine  shall  be  set  on 
him  with  humanity.  This  is  indulgence  from  your  Lord,  and  mercy. 
And  he  who  shall  transgress  after  this,  by  killing  the  murderer,  shall 
suffer  a  grievous  punishment.  And  in  this  law  of  retaliation  ye  have 
life,  O  ye  of  understanding,  that  peradventure  ye  may  fear.  It  is 
ordained  you,  when  any  of  you  is  at  the  point  of  death,  if  he  leave  any 
goods,  that  he  bequeath  a  legacy  to  his  parents,  and  kindred,  according 


AL  KORAN.  25 

tc  what  shall  be  reasonable.  This  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  those  who 
fear  God  But  he  who  shall  change  the  legacy,  after  he  hath  heard  it 
i  bequeathed  by  the  dying  person,  surely  the  sin  thereof  shall  be  on  thos" 
'  who  change  it,  for  God  is  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth.  Howbeit  hv 
who  apprehendeth  from  the  testator  any  mistake  or  injustice,  and  shah 
compose  the  matter  between  them,  that  shall  be  no  crime  in  him,  for 
God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  O  true  believers,  a  fast  is  ordained 
you,  as  it  was  ordained  unto  those  before  you,  that  ye  may  fear  God. 
A  certain  number  of  days  shall  ye  fast:  but  he  among  you  who  shall 
be  sick,  or  on  a  journey,  shall  fast  an  equal  number  of  other  days. 
And  those  who  can  keep  it,  and  do  not,  must  redeem  their  neglect  by 
maintaining  of  a  poor  man.  And  he  who  voluntarily  dealeth  better 
with  the  poor  man  than  he  is  obliged,  this  shall  be  better  for  him.  But 
if  ye  fast  it  will  be  better  for  you,  if  ye  knew  it.  The  month  of  Ra- 
madttn  shall  ye  fast,  in  which  the  Koran  was  sent  down  from  heaven, 
a  direction  unto  men,  and  declarations  of  direction,  and  the  distinc- 
tion between  good  and  evil.  Therefore  let  him  among  you  who  shall 
be  present  in  this  month,  fast  the  same  month;  but  ne  who  shall  be 
sick,  or  on  a  journey,  shall  fast  the  like  number  of  other  days.  God 
would  make  this  an* ease  unto  you,  and  would  not  make  it  a  difficulty 
uutoyou;  that  ye  may  fulfil  the  number  of  days,  and  glorify  God, 
for  that  he  hath  directed  you,  and  that  ye  may  give  thanks.  When 
my  servants  ask  thee  concerning  me,  Verily  I  am  near;  I  will  hear 
the  prayer  of  him  that  prayeth,  when  he  prayeth  unto  me:  but  let 
them  hearken  unto  me,  and  believe  in  me,  that  they  may  be  rightly 
directed.  It  is  lawful  for  you  on  the  night  of  the  fast  to  go  in  unto 
your  wives,  they  are  a  garment  unto  vou.  and  ye  are  a  garment  unto 
them.  God  knoweth  that  ye  defraud  yourselves  therein,  wherefore 
he  turneth  unto  you,  and  forgiveth  you.  Is'ow  therefore  go  in  unto 
them;  and  earnestly  desire  that  which  God  ordameth  you,  and  eat 
and  drink,  until  ye  can  plainly  distinguish  a  white  thread  from  a 
black  thread  by  the  daybreak:  then  keep  the  fast  until  night,  and  go 
not  in  unto  them,  but  be  constantly  present  in  the  places  of  worship. 
These  are  the  prescribed  bounds  of  God,  therefore  draw  not  near 
them  to  transgress  them  Thus  God  deciareth  his  signs  unto  men, 
:hat  ye  may  fear  him.  Consume  not  your  wealth  among  yourselves 
-ii  vain;  nor  present  it  unto  judges,  that  ye  may  devour  part  of  men's 
substance  unjustly,  against  your  own  consciences.  They  will  askthee 
concerning  the  phases  of  the  moon.  Answ.-r  They  are  limes  ap- 
pointed unto  men,  and  to  show  the  season  of  the  pilgrimage  to  Mecca. 
It  is  not  righteousness  that  ye  enter  your  houses  by  the  back  part 
thereof,  but  righteousness  is  oi  him  who  feareth  God.  Therefore 
enter  your  houses  by  their  doors ;-  and  lear  God,  that  ye  may  1><; 
happy.  And  fight  for  the  religion  of  God  against  those  who  light 
against  you,  but  transgress  not  ;n  attacking  them  tirst,  for  God  lovetli 
not  the  transgressors.  And  kill  them  wherever  ye  find  them,  and 
turn  them  out  of  that  whereof  they  have  dispossessed  you;  f  a  temp- 


26  AL  KORAX. 

tatipn  to  idolatry  is  more  grievous  than  slaughter:  yet  fight  not 
against  them  in  the  holy  temple,  until  they  attack  you  therein;  but 
if  they  attack  you,  slay  them  there.  This  shall  be  the  reward  of  the 
infidels.  But  if  they  desist,  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  Fight 
therefore  against  them,  until  there  be  no  temptation  to  idolatry,  and 
the  religion  be  God's:  but  if  they  desist,  then  let  there  be  no  hos- 
tility, except  against  the  ungodly.  A  sacred  month  for  a  sacred 
month,  and  the  holy  limits  of  Mecca,  if  they  attack  you  therein,  do  ye 
also  attack  them  therein  in  retaliation;  and  whoever  transgresseth 
against  you  by  so  doing,  do  ye  transgress  against  him  in  like  manner 
as  he  hath  transgressed  against  you"  and  fear  God,  and  know  that 
God  is  with  those  who  fear  him.  Contribute  out  of  your  substance 
towards  the  defence  of  the  religion  of  God,  and  throw  not  yourselves 
with  your  own  hands  into  perdition;  and  do  good,  for  God  loveth 
those  who  do  good.  Perform  the  pilgrimage  of  Mecca,  and  the  visi- 
tation of  God;  and  if  ye  be  besieged,  send  that  offering  which  shall 
be  the  easiest;  and  shave  not  your  heads,  until  your  offering  reach- 
eth  the  place  of  sacrifice.  But  whoever  among  you  is  sick,  or  is 
troubled  with  any  distemper  of  the  head,  must  redeem  the  shaving 
his  head  by  fasting,  or  alms,  or  some  offering.  When  ye  are  secure 
from  enemies,  he  who  tcrrieth  in- the  visitation  of  the  temple  of  Mecca 
until  the  pilgrimage,  shall  bring  that  offering  which  shall  be  the 
easiest.  But  he  who  findeth  not  anything  to  offer,  shall  fast  three 
days  in  the  pilgrimage,  and  seven  when  ye  are  returned :  they  shall 
be  ten  days  complete.  This  is  incumbent  on  him  whose  family  shall 
not  be  present  at  the  holy  temple.  And  fear  God,  and  know  that 
God  is  severe  in  punishing.  The  pilgrimage  must  be  performed  in 
the  known  months;  "whosoever  therefore  purposeth  to  go  on  pilgrim- 
age therein,  let  him  not  know  a  woman,  nor  transgress,  nor  quarrel 
in  the  pilgrimage.  The  good  which  ye  do,  God  knoweth  it.  Make 
provision  for  your  journey;  but  the  best  provision  is  piety:  and  fear 
me,  O  ye  of  understanding.  It  shall  be  no  crime  in  you,  if  ye  seek 
an  increase  from  your  Lord,  by  trading  during  the  pilgrimage.  And 
when  ye  go  in  procession  from  Arafat,  remember  God  near  the  holy 
monument;  and  remember  him  for  that  he  hath  directed  you, 
although  ye  were  before  this  of  the  number  of  those  who  go  astray. 
Therefore  go  in  procession  from  whence  the  people  go  in  procession, 
and  ask  pardon  of  God,  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  And 
AThen  ye  have  finished  your  holy  ceremonies,  remember  God,  ac- 
cording as  ye  remember  your  fathers,  or  with  a  more  reverent  eom- 
.Tiemoration.  There  are  some  men  who  say,  O  Lord,  give  us  our 
portion  in  this  world;  but  such  shall  have  no  portion  in  the  next  life: 
and  there  are  others  who  say,  O  Lord,  give  us  good  in  this  world, 
and  also  good  in  the  next  world,  and  deliver  us  from  the  torment  of 
hell  fire  They  shall  have  a  portion  of  that  which  they  have  gained: 
God  is  swift  in  taking  an  account.  Remember  God  the  appointed 
number  of  days;  but  if  any  hasle  to  depart  from  the  valley  of  Mina  in. 


AL  KORAN.  & 

two  days,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  him.  And  if  any  tarry  longer,  it 
shall  be  no  crime  in  him,  in  him  who  feareth  God.  Therefore  fear 
God,  and  know  that  unto  him  ye  shall  be  gathered.  There  is  a  man 
who  causeth  thee  to  marvel  by  his  speech  concerning  this  present 
life,  and  calleth  God  to  witness  that  which  is  in  his  heart,  yet  he  is 
most  intent  in  opposing  thee;  and  when  he  turneth  away  from  thee, 
he  hasteth  to  act  corruptly  iu  the  earth,  and  to  destroy  that  which  is 
sown,  and  springeth  up:  but  God  loveth  not  corrupt  doing.  And  if 
one  say  unto  him,  Fear  God;  pride  seizeth  him,  together  with  wick- 
edness; but  hell  shall  be  his  reward,  and  an  unhappy  couch  shall  it 
be.  There  is  also  a  man  who  selleth  his  soul  for  the  sake  of  those 
things  which  are  pleasing  unto  God;  and  God  is  gracious  unto  his 
servants.  O  true  believers,  enter  into  the  true  religion  wholly,  and 
follow  not  the  steps  of  Satan,  for  he  is  your  open  enemy.  If  ye 
have  slipped  after  the  declarations  of  our  will  have  come  unto  you, 
know  that  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  Do  the  infidels  expect  less  than 
that  God  should  come  down  to  them  overshadowed  with  clouds,  and 
the  angels  also'?  but  the  thing  is  decreed,  and  to  God  shall  all  things 
return.  Ask  the  children  of  Israel  how  many  evident  signs  we  have 
showed  them;  and  whoever  shall  change  the  grace  of  God,  after  it 
shall  have  come  unto  him,  verily  God  will  be  severe  in  punishing 
him.  The  present  life  was  ordained  for  those  who  believe  not.  and 
they  laugh  the  faithful  to  scorn ;  but  they  who  fear  God  shall  be 
above  them,  and  the  day  of  the  resurrection:  for  God  is  bountiful 
unto  whom  he  pleaseth  without  measure.  Mankind  was  of  one  faith, 
and  God  sent  prophets  bearing  good  tidings,  and  denouncing  threats, 
and  sent  down  with  them  the  scripture  in  truth,  that  it  might  jud<re 
between  men  of  that  concerning  which  they  disagreed:  and  none  dis- 
agreed concerning  it,  except  those  to  whom  the  same  scriptures  were 
delivered,  after  the  declarations  of  God's  will  had  come  unto  them, 
out  of  envy  among  themselves.  And  God  directed  those  who  be- 
lieved, to  that  truth  concerning  which  they  disagreed,  by  his  will: 
for  God  directeth  whom  he  pleaseth  into  the  right  way.  Did  ye 
think  ye  should  enter  paradise,  when  as  yet  no  such  thing  had  hap- 
pened unto  you,  as  hath  happened  unto  those  who  have  been  before 
you?  They  suffered  calamity  and  tribulation,  and  were  afflicted; 
so  that  the  apostle,  and  they  who  believed  with  him,  said,  When  will 
the  help  of  God  come?  Is  not  the  help  of  God  nigh  ?  They  will  ask 
thee  what  they  shall  bestow  in  alms:  Answer,  The  good  which  ye 
bestow,  let  it  be  given  to  parents,  and  kindred,  and  orphans,  and  the 
poor,  and  the  stranger.  Whatsoever  good  ye  do,  God  knoweth  it. 
War  is  enjoined  you  against  the  Infidels;  but  this  is  hateful  unto  you: 
yet  perchance  ye  hate  a  thinir  which  is  better  for  you,  and  perchance 
ye  love  a  thing  which  is  worse  for  you:  but  God  knoweth  and  ye 
know  not.  They  will  ask  thee  concerning  the  sacred  month,  whether 
the}'  may  war  therein:  Answer.  To  war  therein  is  grievous;  but  to 
ebstrueUhe  way  of  God,  and  infidelity  towards  him,  and  to  keep  men 


3*  AL,  KORAN. 

from  thw  1)  :ly  temple,  and  to  drive  out  his  people  from  thence.  !s 
more  grievous  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  the  temptation  to  idolatry  is 
more  grievous  than  to  kill  in  the  sacred  months.  They  will  not  cease 
to  war  against  you.  untU  they  turn  you  from  your  religion,  if  they  be 
al>le:  but  whoever  among  you  shall  turn  back  from  his  religion,  and 
die  an  in  ridel,  their  works  shall  be  vain  in  this  world  and  the  next; 
they  shall  be  the  companions  of  hell  fire,  they  shall  remain  therein  for 
ever.  But  the}' who  believe,  and  who  fly  for  the  sake  of  religion, 
and  fight  in  God's  cause,  they  sha1!  hope  for  the  mercy  of  God";  for 
God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  They  will  ask  thee  concerning  wins 
and  lots:  Answer,  In  both  there  is  great  sin,  and  also  some  things  of  use 
unto  men;  but  their  sinfulness  is  greater  than  their  use.  They  will 
ask  thee  also  what  they  shall  bestow  in  alms:  Answer,  What  ye  have 
to  spare.  Thus  God  showeth  his  signs  unto  you,  that  peradventure 
ye  might  seriously  think  of  this  present  world,  and  of  the  next.  They 
will  also  ask  thee  concerning  orphans:  Answer,  To  deal  righteously 
with  them  is  best;  and  if  ye  intermeddle  with  the  management  of  what 
belongs  to  them,  do  them  no  wrong;  they  are  your  brethren:  God 
knoweth  the  corrupt  dealer  from  the  righteous;  and  if  God  please,  he 
will  surely  distress  you,  for  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  Marry  not 
women  who  are  idolaters,  until  they  believe:  verily  a  maid-servant 
who  believeth  is  better  than  an  idointress,  although  she  please  you 
more.  And  give  not  women  who  believe  in  marriage  to  the  idolaters, 
until  they  believe;  for  verily  a  servant  \\l\o  is  a  true  believer,  is  better 
than  an  idolater,  though  he  please  you  more.  They  invite  unto  hell 
fire,  but  God  inviteth  unto  paradise  and  pardon  through  his  will,  and 
declareth  his  signs  unto  men,  that  they  may  remember.  They  will  ask 
thee  also  concerning  the  courses  of  women :  Answer,  They  are  a  pol- 
lution: therefore  separate  yourselves  from  women  in  their  courses,  and 
go  not  near  them  until  they  be  cleansed.  But  when  they  are  cleansed, 
go  in  unto  them  as  God  hath  commanded  you,  for  God  lov<  th  those 
who  repent,  and  loveth  those  who  are  clean.  Your  wives  are  your 
tillage;  go  in  therefore  unto  your  tillage  hi  what  manner  soever  ye 
will:  and  do  first  some  act  that  may  be  profitable  unto  your  souls;  and 
fear  God,  and  know  that  ye  must  meet  him;  and  hear  good  tidings 
unto  the  faithful.  Make  not  God  the  object  of  your  oaths,  that  ye 
will  deal  justly,  and  be  devout,  and  make  peace  among  men;  t'ot 
God  is  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth.  God  will  not  punish  you  for  an 
inconsiderate  word  in  your  oaths;  but  he  w.'ll  punish  you  for  that 
which  your  hearts  have  assented  unto:  God  is  merciful  and  gracious. 
They  who  vow  to  abstain  from  their  wives,  are  allowed  to  wait  four 
months;  but  if  they  go  back  from  their  vow,  verily  God  is  gracious 
and  merciful;  and  if  they  resolve  on  a  divorce,  God  is  he  who  heareth 
and  knoweth.  The  women  who  are  divorced  ?hall  wait  concerning 
themselves  until  they  have  their  courses  thrice,  an:l  it  shall  not  IK-  law 
ful  for  them  to  conceal  that  which  God  hath  created  in  their  wombs,  if 
they  believe  in  God  and  the  last  day;  and  their  husbands  will  act 


AL  KORAN.  29 

more  justly  to  living  them  back  at  this  time,  if  they  desire  a  recon- 
ciliation. Tin-  women  ought  also  to  behave  ti  >wards  (heir  husbands  in 
like  manner  as  their  husbands  should  behave  towards  them,  accord- 
ing to  what  is  just:  but  the  men  ought  to  have  a  superiority  over 
them.  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  Ye  may  divorce  your  wives  twice; 
and  then  either  retain  them  with  humanity,  rr  dismiss  them  with  kind 
ness.  But  it  is  not  lawful  for  you  to  take  away  anything  of  what  ye 
have  given  them,  unless  both  tear  that  they  cannot  oli.-erve  the  or- 
dinances of  God.  And  if  ye  fear  that  they  cannot  observe  the  ordi- 
nances of  God,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  either  of  them  on  account 
:>f  that  for  which  the  wife  shall  redeem  herself.  These  are  the  or 
dinauces  of  God;  therefore  transgress  them  not;  for  whoever  trans- 
grevseth  the  ordinances  of  God,  they  are  unjust  doers.  But  if  the 
husband  divorce  her  a  third  ti:u  •,  >.ie  shall  not  be  lawful  for  him 
again,  until  she  marry  a  Dtlu-r  husband.  But  if  he  also  divorce 
her,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  t!i;-:n  it'  they  return  to  each  other,  if 
they  think  they  can  observe  the  ordinances  of  God;  and  these  are 
the  ordinances  of  (Jo  1.  in-  declaretii  them  to  people  of  understanding. 
But  when  ye  divorce  women,  and  they  have  fulfilled  their  pre 
scribed  time,  eith.T  retain  th -in  with  humanity,  or  dismiss  them 
with  kindness;  and  retain  them  not  by  violence,  so  that  ye  traus- 
gre>s;  for  he  who  doth  this  surely  injureth  his  own  soul.  And 
make  not  the  signs  of  God  a  jest:  but  remember  God's  favour 
towards  you,  and  that  he  hath  sent  down  unto  you  the  book  of  the 
Koran,  and  wisdom,  admonishing  you  thereby,  and  fear  God,  and 
know  that  God  is  omniscient.  But  when  ye  have  divorced  your 
wives,  and  they  have  fulfilled  their  prescribed  time,  hinder  them  not 
from  marrying  their  husbands,  when  they  have  r.greed  among  them. 
selves  according  to  what  is  honourable.  This  is  given  in  admonition 
unto  him  among  you  who  believetli  in  God,  and  the  last  day.  This 
is  most  righteous  for  you,  and  most  pure.  God  knoweth,  but  yo 
know  not.  Mothers  after  they  are  divorced  shall  give  suck  unto  their 
children  two  full  years,  to  him  who  desireth  the  time  of  giving  suck 
to  be  completed;  and  the  father  shall  be  obliged  to  maintain  them 
and  clothe  them  in  the  mean  time,  according  to  that  which  shall  be 
reasonable.  Xo  person  shall  be  obliged  beyond  his  ability.  A 
mother  -hall  not  be  compelled  to  what  is  unreasonable  on  account  of 
her  child,  nor  a  father  on  account  of  his  child.  And  the  heir  of  the 
father  shall  be  obliged  to  do  in  like  manner.  But  if  they  choose  to 
wean  the  child  before  the  end  of  two  years,  by  common  consent  and 
on  mutual  consideration,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  them.  And  if  ye  have 
a  mind  to  provide  a  nurse  for  your  children,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in 
you,  in  case  ye  fully  pay  what  ye  offer  her,  according  to  that  which 
is  just.  And  fear  God,  and  know  that  God  seeth  whatever  ye  do. 
Such  of  you  as  die,  and  leave  wives,  their  wives  must  wait  concern- 
ing themselves  four  months  and  ten  days,  and  when  they  shall  have 
fulfilled  their  term,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  you,  for  that  which  thef 


8C  AL  KORAN. 

shall  do  with  themselves,  according  to  what  is  reasonable.  God  well 
Knoweth  that  which  ye  do.  And  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  you, 
whether  ye  make  public  overtures  of  marriage  unto  such  women, 
within  the  said  four  months  and  ten  days,  or  whether  ye  conceal 
such  your  designs  in  yours  minds:  God  knoweth  that  ye  will  remember 
them.  But  make  no  promise  unto  them  privately,  unless  ye  speak 
honourable  words;  and  resolve  not  on  the  knot  of  marriage,  until 
the  proscribed  time  be  accomplished;  and  know  that  God  knoweth 
that  which  is  in  your  minds,  therefore  beware  of  him,  and  know 
;hat  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  It  shall  be  no  crime  in  you,  if  ye 
divorce  your  wives,  so  long  as  3-6  have  not  touched  them,  nor  settled 
any  dowry  on  them.  And  provide  for  them  (he  who  is  at  his  ease 
must  provide  according  to  his  circumstances,  and  he  who  is  straitened 
according  to  his  circumstances)  necessaries,  according  to  what  shall 
be  reasonable.  This  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  the  righteous.  But  if 
ve  divorce  them  before  ye  have  touched  them,  and  have  already 
settled  a  dowry  on  them,  ye  shall  give  them  half  of  what  ye  have 
settled,  unless  they  release  any  part,  or  he  release  part  in  whose  hand 
the  knot  of  marriage  is;  and  if  ye  release  the  whole,  it  will  approach 
nearer  unto  piety.  And  forget  not  liberality  among  you,  for  God 
seeth  that  which  ye  do.  Carefully  observe  the  appointed  prayers, 
and  the  middle  prayer,  and  be  assiduous  therein,  with  devotion 
towards  God.  But  if  ye  fear  any  danger,  pray  on  foot  or  on  horse- 
back; and  when  ye  are  safe,  remember  God,  how  he  hath  taught  you 
what  as  yet  ye  knew  not.  And  such  of  you  as  shall  die  and  leave 
wives,  ought  to  bequeath  O'^ii1  wives  a  year's  maintenance,  without 
putting  them  out  of  theii  nouses:  but  if  they  gc  out  voluntarily,  it 
shall  be  no  crime  in  you,  for  that  which  they  shall  do  with  them- 
selves, according  to  what  shall  be  reasonable;  God  is  mighty  ar.d 
wise.  And  unto  those  who  are  dive  reed,  a  reasonable  provision  is 
also  due;  this  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  those  who  fear  God.  Thus  God 
declare th  his  signs  unto  you,  that  ye  may  understand.  Hast  thou 
not  considered  those  who  left  their  habitations  (and  they  wire 
thousands)  for  fear  of  death?  And  God  said  unto  them.  Die;  then 
he  restored  them  to  life,  for  God  is  gracious  towards  mankind ;  but 
the  greater  part  of  men  do  not  give  thanks.  Fight  for  the  religion 
of  God,  and  know  that  God  is  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth.  AY  ho 
is  he  that  will  lend  unto  God  on  good  usury?  verily  he  will  double  it 
unto  him  manifold;  for  God  contracteth  and  exteudeth  his  hand  as 
he  pleaseth,  and  to  him  shall  ye  return.  Hast  thou  not  considered 
the  assembly  of  the  children  of  Israel,  after  the  time  of  Moses;  when 
they  said  unto  their  prophet  Samuel,  Set  a  king  over  us,  that  we 
may  tight  for  the  religion  of  God?  The  prophet  answered,  If  ye  are 
enjoined  to  go  to  war,  will  ye  be  near  refusing  to  fight  ?  They 
answered,  And  what  should  ail  vis  that  we  should  not  fight  for  the 
religion  of  God,  seeing  we  are  dispossessed  of  our  habitations,  and, 
deprived  of  our  children?  But  when  they  were  enjoined  to  go  to 


AL  KORAN.  3\ 

war,  they  turned  back,  except  a  few  of  them:  and  God  knew  the 
ungodly.  And  their  prophet  said  unto  them,  Verily  God  hath  set 
Talut  king  over  you:  they  answered,  How  shall  he  reign  over  us, 
seeing  we  are  more  worthy  of  the  kingdom  than  he,  neither  is  he 
possessed  of  great  riches?  Samuel  said.  Verily  God  hath  chosen 
him  before  you,  and  hath  caused  him  to  increase  in  knowledge  and 
stature,  for  God  giveth  his  kingdom  unto  whom  he  pleaseth;  God  is 
bounteous  and  wise.  And  their  prophet  said  unto  them,  Verily  the 
jign  of  his  kingdom  shall  be,  that  the  ark  shall  come  unto  you: 
therein  shall  be  tranquillity  from  your  Lord,  and  the  relics  which 
have  been  left  by  the  family  of  Moses,  and  the  family  of  Aaron;  the 
angels  shall  bring  it.  Verily  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you,  if  ye 
believe.  And  when  Talut  departed  with  his  soldiers,  he  said,  Verily 
God  will  prove  you  by  the  river:  for  he  who  driuketh  thereof,  shall 
noi  be  on  my  side  (but  he  who  shall  not  taste  thereof  he  shall  be  on 
my  side)  except  he  who  drinketh  a  draught  out  of  his  hand.  And 
they  drank  thereof,  except  a  few  of  them.  And  when  they  had 
passed  the  river,  he  and  those  who  believed  with  him,  they  raid,  We 
have  no  strength  to-day  against  Jalut  and  his  forces.  But  they  who 
considered  that  they  should  meet  God  at  the  resurrection,  said,  How 
often  hath  a  small  army  discomfited  a  great  army,  by  the  will  of 
God?  and  God  is  with  those  who  patiently  persevere.  And  when 
they  went  forth  to  battle  against  Jalut  and  his  forces,  they  said,  O 
Lord,  pour  on  us  patience,  and  confirm  our  feet,  and  help  us  against 
the  unbelieving  people.  Therefore  they  discomfited  them,  by  the 
will  of  God,  and  David  slew  Jalut.  And  God  gave  him  the  king- 
dom and  wisdom,  and  taught  him  his  will;  and  if  God  had  not 
prevented  men,  the  one  by  the  other,  verily  the  earth  had  been 
corrupted:  but  God  is  beneficent  towards  his  creatures.  These  are 
the  signs  of  God:  we  rehearse  them  unto  thee  with  truth,  and  thou 
art  surely  one  of  those  who  have  been  sent  by  Gcd.  (III.)  These 
are  the  apostles;  we  have  preferred  some  of  them  before  others: 
some  of  them  hath  God  spoken  unto,  and  hath  exalted  the  degree  of 
others  of  them.  And  we  gave  unto  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  manifest 
signs,  and  strengthened  him  with  the  holy  spirit.  And  if  God  had 
pleased,  they  who  came  after  those  apostles  would  not  have  con- 
tended among  themselves,  after  manifest  signs  had  been  shown  unto 
them.  But  they  fell  to  variance ;  therefore  some  of  them  believed, 
and  some  of  them  believed  not;  and  if  God  had  so  pleased,  they 
would  not  have  contended  among  themselves,  but  God  doth  what  he 
will.  O  true  believers,  give  alms  of  that  which  we  have  bestowed 
on  you,  before  the  day  cometh  wherein  there  shall  be  no  merchan- 
dizing, nor  friendship,  nor  intercession.  The  infidels  are  unjust 
doers.  God!  there  is  no  God  but  he;  the  living,  the  self-subsisting: 
neither  slumber  nor  sleep  seizeth  him;  to  him  belongeth  whatsoever 
is  in  heaven,  and  on  earth.  Who  is  he  that  can  intercede  with  him, 
but  through  his  good  pleasure?  He  knoweth  that  which  is  past,  and 


32  AL  KORAX 

that  which  is  to  come  unto  them,  and  they  shall  not  comprehend 
anything  of  his  knowledge,  but  so  far  as  he  pleaseth.  His  throne  is 
extended  over  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  preservation  of  both  is  no 
burden  unto  him.  He  is  the  high,  the  mighty.  Let  there  be  no 
violence  in  religion.  Xow  is  right  direction  manifestly  distinguished 
from  deceit:  whoever  therefore  shall  deny  Tagut,  and  believe  in 
God,  he  shall  surely  take  hold  on  a  strong  handle,  which  .-hail  not  be 
broken;  God  is  he  who  heareth  and  seeth.  God  is  the  patrcn  of 
those  who  believe;  he  shall  lead  them  out  of  darkness  into  light:  but 
as  to  those  who  believe  not,  their  patrons  are  Tagut;  they  shall  ieaf 
th3m  from  the  light  into  darkness;  they  shall  be  the  companions  o 
hell  fire,  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever.  Hast  thou  not  con 
sidered  him  who  disputed  with  Abraham  concerning  his  Lord. 
because  God  had  given  him  the  kingdom?  When  Abraham  said. 
My  Lord  is  he  who  giveth  life,  and  killeth:  he  answered,  I  give  life. 
and  I  kill.  Abraham  said,  Verily  God  bringeth  the  sun  from  the 
east,  now  do  thou  bring  it  from  the  west.  Whereupon  the  infidel 
was  confounded;  for  God  directeth  not  the  ungodly  people.  Or  hast 
thou  not  considered  how  he  behaved  who  passed  by  a  city  which  had 
been  destroyed,  even  to  her  foundations?  He  said,  How  shall  God 
quicken  this  city,  after  she  hath  been  dead?  And  God  caused  him 
to  die  for  an  hundred  years,  and  afterwards  raised  him  to  iii-3.  And 
God  said,  How  long  hast  thou  tarried  here?  He  answered,  A  day,  or 
part  of  a  day.  God  said.  Nay,  thou  has  tarried  here  an  hundred 
years.  Now  look  on  thy  food"  and  thy  drink,  they  are  not  yet  cor- 
rupted- and  look  on  thine  ass:  and  this  have  we  dore  that  we  might 
make  thee  a  sign  unto  men.  And  look  on  the  bones  of  thine  ass,  how 
we  raise  them,  and  afterwards  clothe  them  with  flesh.  And  when 
this  was  shown  unto  him,  he  said,  I  know  that  God  is  able  to  do  all 
things.  And  when  Abraham  said.  (.)  Lord,  show  me  how  thou  wilt 
raise  the  dead;  God  said.  Dost  thou  not  yet  believe?  He  answered, 
Yea;  but  I  ask  this  that  my  heart  may  rest  at  ease.  God  said,  take 
therefore  four  birds,  and  divide  them;  then  lay  a  part  of  them  on 
every  mountain;  then  call  them,  and  they  shall  come  swiftly  unto 
thee:  and  know  that  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  The  similitude  of 
those  who  lay  out  their  substance  for  advancing  the  religion  of  God, 
is  as  a  grain  of  corn  which  produceth  seven  ears,  and  in  every  ear  an 
hundred  grains;  for  God  giveth  twofold  unto  whom  he  please  th. 
God  is  bounteous  and  wise.  They  who  lay  out  their  substance  for 
the  religion  of  God,  and  afterwards  follow  not  what  they  have  so 
laid  out  by  reproaches  or  mischief,  they  shall  have  their  reward  with 
their  Lord;  upon  them  shall  no  fear  come,  neither  shall  they  be 
gneved.  A  fair  speech,  and  to  forgive,  is  better  than  alms  followed 
by  mischief.  God  is  rich  and  merciful.  O  true  believers,  make  not 
your  alms  of  none  effect  by  reproaching,  or  mischief,  as  he  wh< 
layeth  out  what  he  hath  to  appear  unto  men  to  give  alms,  and  believ- 
etii  not  in  God  and  the  last  day.  The  likeness  of  such  a  cue  '. 


AL  KORAN.  33 

flint  covered  with  earth,  on  which  a  violent  rain  falleih,  and  leaveth 
it  hard.  They  cannot  prosper  in  anything  which  they  have  gained, 
for  God  directeth  not  the  unbelieving  people.  And  the  likeness  of 
those  who  lay  out  their  substance  from  a  desire  to  please  God.  and 
tor  an  establishment  for  their  souls,  is  as  a  garden  OR  a  hill,  on  which 
i  violent  rain  falleth,  and  it  bringeth  forth  its  fruits  twofold;  and  if 
H  violent  rain  falleth  not  on  it,  yet  the  dew  falleth  rhereon:  and  God' 
seeth  that  which  ye  do.  Doth  any  of  you  desire  to  have  a  garden  of 
palm-trees  and  vines,  through  which  rivers  flow,  wherein  he  may 
have  all  kinds  of  fruits,  and  that  he  ma}'  attain  to  old  age.  and  have 
a  weak  offspring?  then  a  violent  fiery  wind  shall  strike  it.  so  that  it 
shall  be  burned.  Thus  God  declareth  his  signs  unto  you,  that  ye 
may  consider.  O  true  believers,  bestow  alms  of  the  uuud  things 
which  ye  have  gained,  and  of  that  which  we  have  produced  for  you 
out  of  the  earth,  and  choose  not  the  bad  thereof,  to  give  it  in  alms, 
such  as  ye  would  not  accept  yourselves,  otherwise  than  by  conniv- 
ance: and  know  that  God  is  rich  and  worthy  to  be  praised.  The 
devil  threateneth  you  with  poverty,  and  commandeth  you  filthy 
covetousness;  but  God  promiseth  you  pardon  from  himself  and 
abundance:  God  is  bounteous  and  wise.  He  giveth  wisdom  unto 
whom  he  pleaseth;  and  he  unto  whom  wisdom  is  given,  hath 
received  much  good:  but  none  will  consider,  except  the  wise  of 
heart.  And  whatever  alms  ye  shall  give,  or  whatever  vow  ye  shall 
vow,  verily  God  knoweth  it;  but  the  ungodly  shall  have  none  to 
help  them.  If  ye  make  your  alms  to  appear,  it  is  well ;  out  if  ye 
conceal  them,  and  give  them  unto  the  poor,  this  wiii  be  oetter  for 
you,  and  will  atone  for  your  sins:  and  God  is  well  informed  of  that 
which  ye  do.  The  direction  of  them  belongeth  not  unto  thee;  but 
God  directeth  whom  he  pleaseth.  The  good  that  ye  shall  give  in 
alms  shall  redound  unto  yourselves;  and  ye  shall  not  give  unless  out 
of  desire  of  seeing  the  face  of  God.  And  what  good  thing  ye  shall 
give  in  alms,  it  shall  be  repaid  you,  and  ye  shall  not  be  treated 
unjustly;  unto  the  poor  who  are  wholly  employed  in  lighting  for  the 
religion  of  God,  and  cannot  go  to  and  fro  in  the  earth;  whom  the 
ignorant  man  thinketh  rich,  because  of  their  modesty:  thou  shall 
know  them  by  this  mark,  they  ask  not  men  with  importunity;  and 
what  good  ye  shall  give  in  alms,  verily  God  knoweth  it.  They  who 
distribute  alms  of  their  substance  night  and  day,  in  private  and  in 
public,  shall  have  their  reward  with  the  Lord ;  on  them  snail  no  fear 
come,  neither  shall  they  be  grieved.  They  who  devour  usury  shall 
not  arise  from  the  dead,  but  as  he  ariseth  whom  Satau  hath  infected 
by  a  touch:  this  shall  happen  to  them  because  they  say,  Truly  se'ling 
is  but  as  usury:  and  yet  God  hath  permitted  selling'ana  forbidden 
usury.  He  therefore  who  when  there  cometh  unto  him  an  admoni- 
tion from  his  Lord,  abstaineth  from  usury  for  the  future,  shall  have 
what  is  past  forgiven  him,  and  his  affair  belongeth  unto  God.  But 
whoever  returneth  to  usury,  they  shall  be  the  companies  of  hell 


84  AL  KORAN. 

fire,  they  shall  continue  therein  for  ever.  God  shall  take  his  blessing 
from  usury,  and  shall  increase  alms:  for  God  loveth  no  infidel,  or 
ungodly  person.  But  they  who  believe  and  do  that  which  is  right, 
and  observe  the  stated  times  of  prayer,  and  pay  their  legal  alms,  they 
shall  have  their  reward  with  their  Lord :  there  shall  come  no  fear  on 
them,  neither  shall  they  be  grieved.  O  true  believers,  fear  God,  and 
remit  that  which  remaineth  of  usury,  if  ye  really  believe;  but  if  ye  do 
it  not,  hearken  unto  war,  which  is  declared  against  you  from  God  and 
his  apostle:  yet  if  ye  repent,  ye  shall  have  the  capital  of  your  money. 
Deal  not  unjustly  with  others,  and  ye  shall  not  be  dealt  with  unjustly. 
If  there  be  any  debtor  under  a  difficulty  of  paying  his  debt,  let  his 
creditor  wait  till  it  be  easy  for  him  to  do  it ;  but  if  ye  remit  it  as  alms,  it 
will  be  better  for  you,  if  ye  knew  it.  And  fear  the  day  wherein  ye  shall 
return  unto  God;  then  shall  every  soul  be  paid  what  it  hath  gained, 
and  they  shall  not  be  treated  unjustly.  O  true  believers,  when  yt 
bind  yourselves  one  to  the  other  in  a  debt  for  a  certain  time,  write  it 
down";  and  let  a  writer  write  between  you  according  to  justice,  and 
let  not  the  writer  refuse  writing  according  to  what  God  hath  taught 
him;  but  let  him  write,  and  let  him  who  oweth  the  debt  dictate,  and 
let  him  fear  God  his  Lord,  and  not  diminish  aught  thereof.  But  if 
he  who  oweth  the  debt  be  foolish,  or  weak,  or  be  not  able  to  dictate 
himself,  let  his  agent  dictate  according  to  equity;  and  call  to  witness 
two  witnesses  of  your  neighbouring  men ;  but  if  there  be  not  two  men, 
let  there  be  a  man  and  two  women  of  those  whom  ye  shall  choose  for 
•witnesses:  if  one  of  those  women  should  mistake,  the  other  of  them 
•will  cause  her  to  recollect.  And  the  witnesses  shall  not  refuse, 
whensoever  they  shall  be  called.  And  disdain  not  to  write  it  down, 
be  it  a  large  debt,  or  be  it  a  small  one,  until  its  time  of  payment:  this 
will  be  more  just  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  more  right  for  bearing 
witness,  and  more  easy,  that  ye  may  not  doubt.  But  if  it  be  a  pres- 
ent bargain  which  ye  transact  between  yourselves,  it  shall  be  no 
crime  in  you,  if  ye  Avrite  it  not  down.  And  take  witnesses  when  ye 
sell  one  to  the  other,  and  let  no  harm  be  done  to  the  writer,  nor  to 
the  witness;  which  if  ye  do,  it  will  surely  be  injustice  In  you:  and 
fear  God,  and  God  will  instruct  you,  for  God  kuoweth  all  things. 
And  if  ye  be  on  a  journey,  and  find  no  writer,  let  pledges  be  taken : 
but  if  one  of  you  trust  the  other,  let  him  who  is  trusted  return  what 
he  is  trusted  with,  and  fear  God  his  Lord.  And  conceal  not  the 
testimony,  for  he  who  concealeth  it  hath  surety  a  wicked  heart:  God 
knoweth  that  which  ye  do.  Whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth  is 
God's;  and  whether  ye  manifest  that  which  is  in  your  minds,  or  con- 
ceal it,  God  will  call  you  to  account  for  it,  and  will  forgive  whom  he 
pleaseth,  and  will  punish  whom  he  pleaseth;  for  God  is  almighty. 
The  apostle  believeth  in  that  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  him 
from  his  Lord,  and  the  faithful  also.  Every  one  of  them  believeth  in 
God,  and  his  angels,  and  his  scriptures,  and  his  apostles:  we  make  no 
distinction  at  an  between  his  apostles.  And  they  say,  We  hav« 


AL  KORAN.  35 

heard,  and  do  obey:  we  implore  thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  for  unto  thee 
must  we  return.  God  will  not  force  any  soul  beyond  its  capacity. 
it  shall  have  the  good  which  it  gaineth,  ard  it  shall  suffer  the  evil 
which  it  gaineth.  O  Lord,  punish  us  not,  if  we  forget,  or  act  sin- 
fully: O  Lord,  lay  not  on  us  a  burden  like  that  which  thou  hast  laid 
on  those  who  have  been  before  us;  neither  make  us,  O  Lord,  to  bear 
what  we  have  not  strength  to  bear,  but  be  favourable  unto  us,  and 
spare  us,  and  be  merciful  unto  us.  Thou  art  our  patron,  help  U3 
therefore  against  the  unbelieving  nations. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ENTITLED,    THE   FAMILY   OF   IMRAN ;     REVEALED   AT   MEDINA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

.V  L.  M.  There  is  no  God  but  God.  the  living,  the  self-subsisting:  He 
hath  sei^  down  unto  thee  the  book  of  the  Koran  with  truth,  continuing 
that  which  was  revealed  before  it;  for  he  had  formerly  sent  down  the 
law  and  the  gospel,  a  direction  unto  men;  and  lie  had  also  sent  down 
the  distinction  between  good  and  evil.  Verily  those  who  believe  not 
the  signs  of  God,  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment;  for  God  is 
mighty,  able  to  revenge.  Surely  nothing  is  hidden  from  God,  of 
thai  which  is  on  earth,  or  in  heaven:  it  is  he  who  formethyou  in  the 
wombs,  as  he  pleaseth ;  there  is  no  God  but  he,  the  mighty,  the  wise. 
It  is  he  who  hath  sent  down  unto  thee  the  book,  wherein  are  some 
verses  clear  to  be  understood,  they  are  the  foundation  of  the  book; 
and  others  are  parabolical.  But  they  whose  hearts  are  perverse  wil! 
follow  that  which  is  parabolical  therein,  out  of  love  of  schism,  an(J 
a  desire  of  the  interpretation  thereof;  yet  none  knoweth  the  interpre- 
tation thereof,  except  God.  But  they  who  are  well  grounded  in 
knowledge  say,  We  believe  therein,  the  whole  is  from  our  Lord;  and 
none  will  consider  except  the  prudent.  O  Lord,  eau<e  not  our  hearts 
to  swerve  from  truth,  after  thou  hast  directed  us:  and  give  us  from 
thee  mercy,  for  thou  art  he  who  giveth.  O  Lord,  thou  shall  surely 
gather  mankind  together,  unto  a  day  of  resurrection:  there  is  no 
doubt  of  it,  for  God  will  not  be  contrary  to  the  promise.  As  for  the 
infidels,  their  wealth  shall  not  profit  them  anything,  nor  their  chil- 
dren, against  God:  they  shall  be  the  fuel  of  hell  fire.  According  to 
the  wont  of  the  people  of  Pharaoh,  and  of  those  who  went  before 
them,  they  charged  our  signs  with  a  lie;  but  God  caught  'them  in 
their  wickedness,  and  God  is  severe  in  punishing.  Say  unto  those 
who  believe  not,  Ye  shall  be  overcome,  and  thrown  together  into 
hell;  an  unhappy  couch  shall  it  be.  Ye  have  already  had  a  miracle 
shown  you  in  two  armies,  which  attacked  each  other:  one  army  fought 
for  God's  true  religion,  but  the  other  were  infidels;  they  saw  the 
faithful  twice  as  many  as  themselves  in  their  eyesight;  for  God 


86  AL  KORAN. 

strengthened  with  his  help  whom  he  pleaseth.  Surely  herein  was  an 
example  unto  men  of  understanding.  The  love  and  "eager  desire  of 
•wives,  and  children,  and  sums  heaped  up  of  gold  and  silver,  and  ex- 
cellent horses,  and  cattle,  and  land,  is  prepared  for  men :  this  is  the 
provision  of  the  present  life;  but  unto  God  .shall  be  the  most  excel- 
lent return.  Say.  Shall  I  declare  unto  you  better  things  than  this  ? 
For  those  who  "are  devout  are  prepared  with  their  Lord,  gardens 
through  which  rivers  flow;  therein  shall  they  continue  for  ever:  and 
they  shall  enjoy  wives  free  from  impurity,  ar.d  the  favour  of  God;  for 
Go;l  regardeth  his  servants;  who  say,  0  Lord,  we  do  sincerely  be- 
lieve; forgive  us  therefore  our  sins,  and  deliver  us  from  the  pain  of 
hell  fire:  ihe  patient,  and  the  lovers  of  truth,  and  the  devout,  and  the 
almsgivers,  and  those  who  ask  pardon  early  in  the  morning. 
hath  borne  witness  that  there  is  no  God  but  he;  and  the  angels,  and 
those  who  are  endowed  with  wisdom,  profess  the  same ;  who  executeth 
righteousness;  there  is  no  God  but  he;  the  mighty,  the  wise.  Verily 
the  true  religion  in  the  si^ht  of  God,  is  Islam;  and  the\  who  had  re- 
ceived the  scriptures  dissented  not  therefrom,  until  after  the  kno-.vl- 
edge  of  God's  unity  had  come  unto  them,  out  of  envy  among  tin  m- 
aelves;  but  whosoever  believeth  not  in  the  signs  of  God,  verily  God 
will  l>e  swift  in  bringing  him  to  account.  If  they  dispute  with  thec, 
say,  I  have  resigned  myself  unto  God,  and  he  who  followeth  me  doth 
the  same:  and  say  unto  them  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  and 
to  the  ignorant,  Do  ye  profess  the  religion  of  Islam  ?  ^sow  if  they 
embrace  IslAm.  they  are  surely  directed:  but  if  they  turn  their  hack-, 
verily  unto  thee  belongeth  preaching  only;  for  God  regardeth  h 
vants  And  unto  those  who  believe  not  in  the  signs  of  God,  and  slay 
the  prophets  without  a  cause,  and  put  those  men  to  death  who  teach 
justice;  denounce  unto  them  a  painful  punishment.  These  are  they 
whose  works  perish  in  this  world,  and  in  that  which  is  to  come-;  and 
they  shall  have  none  to  help  them.  I  last  thou  not  observed  those 
unto  whom  part  of  the  scripture  was  given  ?  They  were  called  unto 
the  book  of  God,  that  it  might  judge  between  them;  then  some  of 
them  turned  their  backs,  and  retired  afar  off.  This  they  did  because 
they  said,  The  fire  of  hell  shall  by  no  means  touch  us,  but  for  a  certain 
number  of  days:  and  that  which  they  had  falsely  devised,  hath 
deceived  them  in  their  religion.  How  thi-n  will  it  be  with  them,  when 
we  shall  gather  them  together  at  the  day  of  judgment,  of  which  there 
is  no  doubt;  and  every  soul  shall  be  paid  that  which  it  hath  gained, 
neither  shall  they  be  treated  unjustly?  Say,  ()  God,  wh. 
the  kingdom;  thou  givest  the  kingdom  unto  whom  thou  wilt,  and 
thou  tafcest  away  the  kingdom  from  whom  thou  wilt:  thou  e>.al<<  -t 
whom  thou  wilt  "and  thou  humblest  whom  thou  wilt:  in  thy  hand  i> 
good,  for  thou  art  almighty.  Thou  makest  the  night  to  succeed  the 
da}-:  thou  bringest  forth  the  living  out  of  the  'lead,  and  thou  brinnc-t 
forth  the  dead  out  of  the  living;  and  provides!  food  for  whom  Hum 
wilt  without  measure.  Let  not  the  faithful  take  the  infidels  for  then" 


AL  KORAN.  37 

protectors,  rather  than  the  faithful :  he  who  doth  this  shall  not  be 
protected  of  God  at  all;  unless  ye  fear  any  danger  from  them:  but 
God  warncth  you  to  beware  of  himself;  for  unto  God  must  ye  return. 
Say,  \Vhetherye  conceal  that  which  is  in  your  breasts,  or  whether  ye 
declare  it,  God  knoweth  it:  for  he  knoweth  whatever  is  in  heaven, 
and  whatever  is  on  earth:  God  is  almighty.  On  the  last  day  every 
soul  shall  find  the  good  which  it  hath  wrought,  present;  and  the  evil 
which  it  hath  wrought,  it  shall  wish  that  between  itself  and  that  were 
a  wide  distance:  but  God  warneth  you  to  beware  of  himself;  for  God 
is  gracious  unto  his  servants.  Say,  If  ye  love  God,  follow  me:  then 
God  shall  love  you,  and  forgive  you  your  sins;  for  God  is  gracious 
and  merciful.  Say.  Obey  God,  and  his  apostle:  but  if  ye  go  back, 
verily  God  loveth  not  the  unbelievers.  God  hath  surely  chosen  Adam, 
and  'Noah,  and  the  family  of  Abraham,  and  the  family  of  Inn-fin 
above  the  rest  of  the  world';  a  race  descending  the  one  from  the  other: 
God  is  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth.  Remember  when  the  wife  of 
linran  said,  Lord,  verily  I  have  vowed  unto  thee  that  which  is  in  my 
womb,  to  be  dedicated  to  thy  service:  accept  it  therefore  of  me;  for 
thou  art  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth  And  when  she  was  delivered 
of  it,  she  said.  Lord,  verily  I  have  brought  forth  a  female  (and  God 
well  knew  what  she  had  brought  forth),  and  a  male  is  not  as  a  female: 
I  have  called  her  Mary;  and  I  commend  her  to  thy  protection,  and 
also  her  issue,  against  Satan  driven  away  with  stones.  Therefore  the 
Lord  accepted  her  with  a  gracious  acceptance,  and  caused  her  to 
bear  an  excellent  offspring.  And  Zacharias  took  care  of  the  child; 
whenever  Zacharias  went  into  the  chamber  to  her,  he  found  pro- 
visions with  her:  and  he  said,  O  Mary,  whence  hadst  thou  this  ?  she 
answered.  This  is  from  God:  f  or  God  provideth  for  whom  he  pleaseth 
without  measure.  There  Zacharias  called  on  his  Lord,  and  said, 
Lord,  give  me  from  thee  a  good  offspring,  for  thou  art  the  hearer  of 
•prayer."  And  the  angels  called  to  him,  while  he  stood  praying  in  the 
chamber,  saying.  Verily  God  promiseth  thee  a  son  named  John,  who 
shall  bear  witness  to  the  Word  which  come  th  from  God;  an  honorable 
person,  chaste,  and  one  of  the  righteous  prophets.  He  answered. 
Lord,  how  shall  I  have  a  son,  when  old  age  hath  overtaken  me,  and 
my  wife  is  barren  ?  The  angel  said,  So  God  doth  that  which  he 
pleaseth.  Zacharias  answered,  Lord,  give  me  a  sign.  The  angel 
said,  Thy  sign  shall  be,  that  thou  shalt  speak  unto  no  man  for  three 
days,  otherwise  than  by  gesture:  remember  thy  Lord  often,  and 
praise  him  evening  and  morning.  And  when  Ihe  angels  said,  O 
Mary,  verily  God  hath  chosen  thee,  and  hath  purified  thee,  and  hath 
Chosen  t'.iee"  above  all  the  women  of  the  world:  O  Mary,  be  devout 
towards  thy  Lord,  and  worship,  and  bow  down  with  those  who  bow 
down.  This  is  a  secret  history:  we  reveal  it  unto  thee,  although  thou 
wast  not  present  with  them  when  they  threw  in  their  rods  to  cast  lots 
which  of  them  should  have  the  education  of  Mary:  neither  -(vast  thou 
with  them,  when  they  strove  among  themselves.  When  the  angels 


38  AL  KORAN. 

said,  O  Mary,  verily  God  sendeth  thce  good  tidings,  that  thou  shalt 
bear  the  Word,  proceeding  from  himself;  his  name  shall  be  Christ 
Jesus  the  son  of  Mary,  honourable  in  this  world  and  in  the  world  to 
come,  and  one  of  those  who  approach  near  to  the  presence  of  God ;  and 
he  shall  speak  unto  men  in  the  cradle,  and  when  he  is  grown  up  ;  and 
he  shall  be  one  of  the  righteous :  she  answered,  Lord,  how  shall  I 
have  a  son,  since  a  man  hath  not  touched  me  ?  the  angel  said,  So  God 
createth  that  which  he  pleaseth:  when  he  decreeth  a  thing,  he  only 
saith  mi  to  it.  Be,  and  it  is:  God  shall  teach  him  the  scripture,  and 
wisdom,  and  the  law,  and  the  gospel;  and  shall  appoint  him  his 
apostle  to  the  children  of  Israel;  and  he  shall  say,  Verily  I  come  unto 
you  with  a  sign  from  your  Lord;  for  I  will  make  before  you,  of  clay, 
as  it  were  the  figure  of  a  bird;  then  I  will  breathe  thereon,  and  it 
shall  become  a  bird,  by  the  permission  of  God :  and  I  will  heal  him 
that  hath  been  blind  from  his  birth,  and  the  leper:  and  I  will  raise 
the  dead  by  the  permission  of  God:  and  I  will  prophesy  unto  you 
what  ye  eat,  and  what  ye  lay  up  for  store  in  your  houses.  Verily 
herein  will  be  a  sign  unto  you,  if  ye  believe.  And  I  come  to  confirm 
the  Law  which  was  revealed  before  me,  and  to  allow  unto  you  as  law- 
ful, part  of  that  which  hath  been  forbidden  you:  and  I  come  unto 
you  with  a  sign  from  your  Lord ;  therefore  fear  God,  and  obey  me. 
Verily  God  is  my  Lord,  and  your  Lord :  therefore  serve  him.  This 
is  the  right  way.  But  when  Jesus  perceived  their  unbelief,  he  said, 
Who  will  be  my  helpers  towards  God?  The  apostles  answered,  We 
will  be  the  helpers  of  God;  we  believe  in  God,  and  do  thou  bear 
witness  that  we  are  true  believers.  O  Lord,  we  believe  in  that  which 
Hum  hast  sent  down,  and  we  have  followed  thy  apostle-,  write  us 
down  therefore  with  those  who  bear  witness  of  him.  And 
the  Jews  devised  a  stratagem  against  him;  but  God  devised  a 
stratagem  against  them;  and  God  is  the  best  deviser  of  stratagems. 
When  God  said,  O  Jesus,  verily  I  will  cause  thee  to  die,  and  I  will 
take  thee  up  unto  me,  and  I  will  deliver  thee  from  the  unbelievers; 
and  I  will  place  those  who  follow  thee  above  the  unbelievers,  until  the 
day  of  resurrection:  then  unto  me  shall  ye  return,  and  I  will  judge 
between  you  of  that  concerning  which  ye  disagree.  Moreover,  MS  for 
the  infidels,  I  will  punish  them  with  a  grievous  punishment  in  11. is 
world,  and  in  that  which  is  to  come;  and  there  shall  be  none  to  help 
them.  But  they  who  believe,  and  do  that  which  is  right,  he  shall 
give  them  their  reward;  for  God  loveth  not  the  wicked  doers.  These 
signs  and  this  prudent  admonition  do  we  rehearse  unto  thee.  Verily 
the  likeness  of  Jesiis  in  the  sight  of  God  is  as  the  likeness  of  Ad::m: 
he  created  him  out  of  the  du.st,  and  then  said  unto  him,  Be:  and  he 
was.  This  is  the  truth  from  thy  Lord;  be  not  therefore  one  of  those 
who  doubt:  and  whoever  shall  dispute  with  thee  coiiceni'm.-.:  him, 
after  the  knowledge  which  hath  been  given  thee,  say  unto  them, 
Come,  let  us  call  together  our  sous,  and  your  sous,  and  our  wives, 
and  your  wives,  and  our  selves,  and  your  selves;  then  let  us  make 


AL  KORAN.  89 

imprecations,  and  lay  the  curse  of  God  on  those  who  lie.  Verily  this 
is  a  true  history:  and  there  is  no  God  but  one  God;  and  God  is  most 
mighty,  and  wise.  If  they  turn  back,  God  well  knoweth  the  evil- 
doers. Say,  O  ye  who  have  received  the  scripture,  come  to  a  just 
determination  between  us  and  you;  that  we  worship  not  any  except 
God,  and  associate  no  creature  with  him;  and  that  the  one  of  us  take 
not  the  other  for  lords,  beside  God.  But  if  they  turn  back,  say,  Bear 
witness  that  we  are  true  believers.  O  ye  to  whom  the  scriptures  have 
been  given,  why  do  ye  dispute  concerning  Abraham,  since  the  Law 
and  the  Gospel  were  not  sent  down  until  after  him?  Do  ye  not  there- 
fore understand?  Behold  ye  are  they  who  dispute  concerning  that 
which  ye  have  some  knowledge  in;  why  therefore  do  ye  dispute  con- 
cerning that  which  ye  have  no  knowledge  of?  God  knoweth,  but  ye 
know  not.  Abraham  was  neither  a  Jew  nor  a  Christian  ;  but  he  was 
of  the  true  religion,  one  resigned  unto  God,  and  was  not  of  the  number 
of  the  idolaters.  Verily  the  men  who  are  the  nearest  of  kin  unto  Abra- 
ham, are  they  who  follow  him;  and  this  prophet,  and  they  who  be- 
lieve on  him:  God  is  the  patron  of  the  faithful.  Some  of  those  who 
have  received  the  scriptures  desire  to  seduce  you ;  but  they  seduce 
themselves  only,  and  they  perceive  it  not.  O  ye  who  have  received 
the  scriptures,  why  do  ye  not  believe  in  the  signs  of  God,  since  ye 
are  witnesses  of  them?  O  ye  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  why 
do  ye  clothe  truth  with  vanity,  and  knowingly  hide  the  truth?  And 
some  of  those  to  whom  the  scriptures  were  given,  say,  Believe  in  that 
which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  those  who  believe,  in  the  beginning 
of  the  day,  and  deny  it  in  the  end  thereof;  that  they  may  go  back 
from  their  faith:  and  believe  him  only  who  followeth  your  religion. 
Say,  Verily  the  true  direction  is  the  direction  of  God,  that  there  may 
be  given  unto  some  other  a  revelation  like  unto  what  hath  been  given 
unto  you.  Will  they  dispute  with  you  before  your  Lord?  Say. 
Surely  excellence  is  in  the  hand  of  God,  he  giveth  it  unto  whom  he 
pleaseth;  God  is  bounteous  and  wise :  he  will  confer  peculiar  mercy 
on  whom  he  pleaseth ;  for  God  is  endued  with  great  beneficence. 
There  is  of  those  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  unto  whom  if 
thou  trust  a  talent,  he  will  restore  it  unto  thee;  and  there  is  also  of 
them,  unto  whom  if  thou  trust  a  dinar,  he  will  not  restore  it  unto 
thee,  unless  thou  stand  over  him  continually  with  great  urgency.  This 
they  do  because  they  say,  We  are  not  obliged  to  observe  justice  with 
the  heathen:  but  they  utter  a  lie  against  God,  knowingly.  Yea; 
whoso  keepeth  his  covenant,  and  feareth  God,  God  surely  loveth 
those  who  fear  him.  But  they  who  make  merchandise  of  God's  cove- 
nant, and  of  their  oaths,  for  a  small  price,  shall  have  no  portion  in 
the  next  life,  neither  shall  God  speak  to  them  or  regard  them  on  the 
day  of  resurrection,  nor  shall  he  cleanse  them;  but  they  shall  suffer  a 
grievous  punishment.  And  there  are  certainly  some  of  them,  who 
read  the  scriptures  perversely,  that  ye  may  think  what  they  read  to  be 
really  in  the  scriptures,  yet  it  is  not  in  the  scripture;  and  they  sp", 


40  AL  KORAN. 

This  is  from  God;  but  it  is  not  from  God:  and  they  speak  that  which 
is  false  concerning  God,  against  their  own  knowledge.  It  is  not  lit 
for  a  man,  that  God  should  give  him  a  book  of  revelations,  and  wis- 
dom, and  prophecy;  and  then  he  should  say  unto  men,  Be  ye  wor- 
shippers of  me,  besides  God ;  but  he  ought  to  say,  Be  ye  perfect  in 
knowledge  and  in  works,  since  ye  know  the  scriptures,  and  exercise 
yourselves  therein.  God  hath  not  commanded  you  to  take  the  angels 
and  the  prophets  for  your  Lords:  AVill  he  command  you  to  become 
infidels,  after  ye  have  been  true  believers?  And  remember  when  God 
accepted  the  covenant  of  the  prophets,  saying,  This  verily  is  the  scrip- 
ture and  the  wisdom  which  1  have  given  you:  hereafter  shall  an 
apostle  come  unto  you,  confirming  the  truth  of  that  scripture  which 
is  with  you;  ye  shall  surely  believe  on  him,  and  ye  shall  assist  him. 
God  said,  Are  ye  firmly  resolved,  and  do  ye  accept  my  covenant  on 
this  condition?  They  answered,  We  are  firmly  resolved :  God  said, 
Be  ye  therefore  witnesses;  and  I  also  bear  witness  with  you:  and 
whosoever  turneth  back  after  this,  they  are  surely  the  transgressors. 
Do  they  therefore  seek  any  other  religion  but  God's?  since  to  him  is 
resigned  whosoever  is  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  voluntarily,  or  of  force : 
and  to  him  shall  they  return.  Say,  We  believe  in  God,  and  that 
which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  us,  and  that  which  was  sent  down 
unto  Abraham,  and  Ismael,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  the  tribes, 
and  that  which  was  delivered  to  Moses,  and  Jesus,  and  the  prophets 
from  their  Lord ;  we  make  no  distinction  between  any  of  them ;  and 
to  him  are  we  resigned.  Whoever  followeth  any  other  religion  than 
Islam,  it  shall  not  be  accepted  of  him :  and  in  the  next  life  he  shall 
be  of  those  who  perish.  How  shall  God  direct  men  who  have  become 
infidels  after  they  had  believed,  and  borne  witness  that  the  apostle 
was  true,  and  manifest  declarations  of  the  divine  will  had  come  unto 
them?  for  God  directeth  not  the  ungodly  people.  Their  reward  shall 
be,  that  on  them  shall  fall  the  curse  of  God,  and  of  angels,  and  of  'all 
mankind:  they  shall  remain  under  the  same  for  ever;  their  torment 
shall  not  be  mitigated,  neither  shall  they  be  regarded;  except  those 
who  repent  after  this,  and  amend;  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful. 
Moreover  they  who  become  infidels  after  they  have  believed,  and  yet 
increase  in  infidelity,  their  repentance  shall  in  no  wise  be  accepted, 
and  they  are  those  who  go  astray.  Verily  they  who  believe  not,  and 
die  in  their  unbelief,  the  world  full  of  gold  shall  in  no  wise  be  ac- 
cepted from  any  of  them,  even  though  he  should  give  it  for  his 
ransom;  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment,  and  they  shall  have 
none  to  help  them.  (IV.)  Ye  will  never  attain  unto  righteousness 
until  ye  give  in  alms  of  that  which  ye  love:  and  whatever  ye  give, 
God  knoweth  it.  All  food  was  permitted  unto  the  children  of  Israel, 
except  what  Israel  forbade  unto  himself  before  the  Pentateuch  was 
sent  down.  Say  unto  the  Jews,  Bring  hither  the  Pentateuch  and  read 
it,  if  ye  speak  truth.  Whoever  therefore  coutriveth  a  lie  against  God 
after  this,  they  will  be  evil-doers.  Say,  God  is  true :  follow  ye  there- 


AL  KORAN.  41 

i'ore  the  religion  of  Abraham  the  orthodox;  for  he  was  no  idolater. 
Verily  the  first  house  appointed  unto  men  to  worship  in  was  that  which 
i.s  in  Becca;  blessed,  and  a  direction  to  all  creatures.  Therein  are 
•nanifest  signs:  the  place  where  Abraham  stood;  and  whoever  enter- 
cih  therein,  shall  be  safe.  And  it  is  a  duty  towards  God,  incumbent 
on  those  who  are  able  to  go  thither,  to  visit  this  house;  but  whosoever 
disbelieveth,  verily  God  needeth  not  the  service  of  any  creature.  Say, 
O  ye  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  why  do  ye  not  believe  in  the 
signs  of  God?  Say,  O  ye  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  why  do 
ye  keep  back  from  the  way  of  God  him  who  believeth?  Ye  seek  to 
make  it  crooked,  and  yet  are  witnesses  that  it  is  the  right:  but  God 
will  not  be  unmindful  of  what  ye  do.  O  true  believers,  if  ye  obey  some 
of  those  who  have  received  the  scripture,  they  will  render  you  in- 
fidels, after  ye  have  believed:  and  how  can  ye  be  infidels,  when  the 
signs  of  God  are  read  unto  you,  and  his  apostle  is  among  you?  But 
he  who  cleaveth  firmly  unto  God,  is  already  directed  into*  the  right 
way.  O  believers,  fear  God  with  his  true  fear;  and  die  not  unless'ye 
also  be  true  believers.  And  cleave  all  of  you  unto  the  covenant  of 
God.  and  depart  not  from  it,  and  remember  the  favour  of  God  to- 
wards you:  since  ye  were  enemies,  and  he  reconciled  your  hearts, 
and  ye  became  companions  and  brethren  by  his  favour:  and  ye  were 
on  the  brink  of  a  pit  of  fire,  and  he  delivered  you  thence.  Thus  God 
declareth  unto  you  his  signs,  that  ye  may  be  directed.  Let  there  be 
people  among  you,  who  invite  to  the  best  religion;  and  command 
that  which  is  just,  and  forbid  that  which  is  evil;  and  they  shall  be 
happy.  And  be  not  as  they  who  are  divided,  and  disagree  in  matters 
of  religion,  after  manifest  proofs  have  been  brought  unto  them:  they 
shall  suffer  a  great  torment.  On  the  day  of  resurrection  some  faces 
shall  become  white,  and  other  faces  shall  become  black.  And  unto 
them  whose  faces  shall  become  black,  God  will  say,  Have  ye  returned 
unto  your  unbelief,  after  ye  had  believed?  therefore  taste  the  punish- 
ment.  for  that  ye  have  been  unbelievers:  but  they  whose  faces  shall 
become  white  shall  be  in  the  mercy  of  God,  therein  shall  they  remain 
for  ever.  These  are  the  signs  of  God;  we  recite  them  unto  thee  with 
truth.  God  will  not  deal  unjustly  with  his  creatures.  And  to  God 
beloimx'th  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth;  and  to  God  shall  all 
tilings  return.  Ye  are  the  best  nation  that  hath  been  raised  up  untq 
mankind:  ye  command  that  which  is  just,  and  ye  forbid  that  which 
is  unjust,  and  ye  believe  in  God.  And  if  they  w'ho  have  received  the 
scripture-  had  believed,  it  had  surely  been  the  better  for  them:  there 
are  believers  among  them,  but  the  greater  part  of  them  are  trans- 
gressors. They  shall  not  hurt  you,  unless  with  a  slight  hurt;  and  if 
they  right  against  you,  they  shall  turn  their  backs  to  you,  and  they 
shall  not  be  helped.  They  are  smitten  with  vileness  wheresoever 
they  are  found;  unless  they  obtain  security  by  entering  into  a  treaty 
with  God,  and  a  treaty  with  men:  and  they  draw  on  themselves  in- 
dignation from  God,  and  they  are  afflicted  with  poverty.  This 


42  AL  KORAN. 

suffer,  because  they  disbelieved  the  signs  of  God.  and  slew  the 
prophets  unjustly;  this,  because  they  were  rebellious,  and  trans- 
gressed. Yet  they  are  not  all  alike:  there  are  of  those  -who  have  re- 
ceived the  scriptures,  upright  people;  they  meditate  on  the  signs  of 
God  in  the  night  season,  and  worship;  they  believe  in  God  and  the 
last  day;  and  command  that  which  is  just,  and  forbid  that  which  in 
unjust,  and  zealously  strive  to  excel  in  good  works:  these  are  of  the 
righteous.  And  ye  shall  not  be  denied  the  reward  of  the  good  which 
ye  do;  for  God  knoweth  the  pious.  As  for  the  unbelievers,  their 
wealth  shall  not  profit  them  at  all,  neither  their  children,  against  God: 
they  shall  be  the  companions  of  hell  fire;  they  shall  continue  therein 
for  ever.  The  likeness  of  that  which  they  lay  out  in  this  present  life, 
is  as  a  wind  wherein  there  is  a  scorching  cold:  it  falleth  on  the  stand- 
ing corn  of  those  men  who  have  injured  their  own  souls,  and  destroy- 
eth  it.  And  God  dealeth  not  unjustly  with  them,  but  they  injure 
their  own  souls.  O  true  believers,  contract  not  an  intimate  friend 
ship  with  any  besides  yourselves:  they  will  not  fail  to  corrupt  you. 
They  wish  for  that  which  may  cause  you  to  perish:  their  hatred  hath 
already  appeared  from  out  of  their  mouths,  but  what  their  br-.-asts 
conceal  is  yet  more  inveterate.  We  have  already  shown  you  signs 
of  their  ill  will  towards  you,  if  ye  understand.  Behold,  ye  love 
them,  and  they  do  not  love  you :  ye  believe  in  all  the  scriptures,  and 
when  they  meet  you,  they  say,  We  believe;  but  when  they  assemble 
privately  together,  they  bite  their  fingers'  ends  out  of  wrath  against 
you.  Say  unto  them, "Die  in  your  wrath:  verily  God  knoweth  the 
innermost  part  of  your  breasts.  If  good  happen  unto  you,  it  grieveth 
them;  and  if  evil  befall  you,  they  rejoice  at  it.  But  if  ye  be  path-nt, 
and  fear  God,  their  subtlety  shall  not  hurt  you  at  all ;  for  God  com- 
prehendeth  whatever  they  do.  Call  to  mind  when  thou  wenU-st 
forth  early  from  thy  family,  that  thou  mightest  prepare  the  faithful 
a  camp  for  war;  and  God  heard  and  knew  it;  when  two  companies 
of  you  were  anxiously  thoughtful,  so  that  ye  became  faint-hearted ; 
but  God  was  the  supporter  of  them  both;  and  in  God  let  the  faithful 
trust.  And  God  had  already  given  you  the  victory  at  Bedr,  \\hen 
ye  were  inferior  in  number;  therefore  fear  God,  that  ye  may  l,e 
thankful.  When  thou  saidst  unto  the  faithful,  Is  it  not  enough  foi 
you,  that  your  Lord  should  assist  you  with  three  thousand  ai 
sent  down  from  heaven?  Verily  if  ye  persevere,  and  fear  God,  and 
your  enemies  come  upon  you  suddenly,  your  Lord  will  assist  you 
with  five  thousand  angels,  distinguished  "by  their  horses  and  attire. 
And  this  God  designed  only  as  good  tidings  for  you  that  your  hearts 
might  rest  secure  .  for  victory  is  from  God  alone,  the  mighty,  the 
wise.  That  he  should  cut  off  the  uttermost  part  of  the  unbelievers, 
or  cast  them  down,  or  that  they  should  be  overthrown  and  unsuccess- 
ful, is  nothing  to  thee.  It  is  no  business  of  thine;  whether  God  be 
turned  unto  them,  or  whether  he  punish  them;  they  are  surely  unjust 
doers.  To  God  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth :  lx» 


AL  KORAN.  43 

wftom  he  pleaseth,  and  he  punisheth  whom  he  pleaseth;  for 
GuJ  i»  \jierciful.  O  true  believers,  devour  not  usury,  doubling  it 
t\\vl'oic;  ~iMi  fear  God,  that  ye  may  prosper:  and  fear  the  fire  which 
is  p.-epa.'cd  for  the  unbelievers;  and  obey  God,  and  his  apostle,  that 
ye  nay  obtain  mercy.  And  run  with  emulation  to  obtain  remission 
from  your  Loi-cl,  and  paradise,  whose  breath  equalleth  the  heavens  and 
the  earth  which  is  prepared  for  the  godly;  who  give  alms  in  pros- 
perity and  adveisity;  who  bridle  their  anger  and  forgive  men:  for 
God  loveth  the  beneficent,  And  who,  after  they  have  committed  a 
crime,  or  dealt  unjustly  with  their  own  souls,  remember  God,  and 
ask  pardon  for  their  eins  (for  who  forgiveth  sins  except  God?)sand 
persevere  not  in  wha!  they  have  done  knowingly:  their  reward  shall 
be  pardon  from  their  Lord,  and  gardens  wherein  rivers  flow,  they 
shall  remain  therein  iorever:  and  how  excellent  is  the  reward  of 
those  who  labour!  Time  have  already  been  before  you  examples  of 
punishment  of  infidels,  iherefore  go  through  the  earth,  and  behold 
H,-hat  hath  been  the  end  of  those  who  accuse  God's  apostles  of  imposture. 
This  book  is  a  declaration  anto  men.  and  a  direction,  and  an  admoni- 
tion to  the  pious.  And  be  not  dismayed,  neither  be  ye  grieved;  for 
ye  shall  be  superior  to  the  u.ibdievers  if  ye  believe.  If  a  wound  hath 
happened  unto  you  in  war,  a  like  wound  hath  already  happened  unto 
the  unbelieving  people:  and  we  cause  these  days  of  different  success 
interchangeably  to  succeed  each  other  among  men;  that  God  may 
know  those  who  believe,  and  i.iay  have  martyrs  from  among  you 
(God  loveth  not  the  workers  cf  iniquity);  and  that  God  might  prove 
those  who  believe,  and  destroy  the  infidels.  Did  ye  imagine  that  ye 
should  enter  paradise,  when  as  jet  God  knew  not  those  among  you 
who  fought  strenuously  in  his  cause;  nor  knew  those  who  persevered 
with  patience  ?  Moreover  ye  did  sometime  wish  for  death  before 
that  ye  met  it;  but  ye  have  now  seea  it,  and  ye  looked  on,  but  retreat- 
ed from  it.  Mohammed  is  no  more  than  an  apostle ;  the  other  apostles 
have  already  deceased  before  him:  if  he  die  therefore.or  be  slain,  will 
ye  turn  back  on  your  heels?  but  he  •ul.o  turneth  back  on  his  heels, 
will  not  hurt  God  at  all:  and  God  will  surely  reward  the  thankful. 
Xo  soul  can  die  unless  by  the  permission  of  God,  according  to  what 
is  written  in  the  book  containing  the  determinations  of  things.  And 
whoso  chooseth  the  reward  of  this  world,  Ave  will  give  him  thereof: 
but  whoso  chooseth  the  reward  of  the  world  to  come,  we  will  give 
him  thereof;  and  we  will  surely  reward  tne  thankful.  How  many 
prophets  have  encountered  those  who  had  many  myriads  of  troops: 
and  yet  they  desponded  not  in  their  mind  for  what  had  befallen  them 
in  fighting  for  the  religion  of  God,  and  were  not  weakened,  neither 
behaved  themselves  in  an  abject  manner?  God  loveth  those  who  per- 
severe patiently.  And  their  speech  was  no  other  than  that  they  said, 
Our  Lord  forgive  us  our  offences,  and  our  transgressions  in  our  busi- 
ness; and  confirm  our  feet,  and  help  us  against  the  unbelieving  peo- 
ple. And  God  gave  them  the  reward  «f  this  world,  and  a  glorious 


44  AL  KORAN. 

reward  in  the  life  to  come ;  for  God  loveth  the  well-doers.  0  ye  who 
believe,  if  ye  obey  the  infidels,  they  will  cause  you  to  turn  back  on 
your  heels,  and  ye  will  be  turned  back  and  perish:  but  God  is  your 
Lord;  and  he  is  the  best  helper.  AVe  will  surely  cast  a  dn-ad  into 
the  hearts  of  the  unl)elievers,  because  they  have  associated  with  God 
that  concerning  which  he  sent  them  down  no  power:  their  dwelling 
shall  be  the  fire  of  hell;  and  the  receptacle  of  the  wicked  shall  be  mis- 
erable. God  had  already  made  good  unto  you  his  promise,  when  ye 
destroyed  them  by  his  permission,  until  ye  became  faint-hearted,  and 
disputed  concerning  the  command  of  the  apostle,  and  were  rebellious; 
after  God  had  shown  you  what  ye  desired.  Some  of  you  chose  this 
present  world,  and  others  of  you  chose  the  world  to  come.  Then  he 
turned  you  to  fight  from  before  them,  that  he  might  make  trial  of  you 
(but  he  hath  now  pardoned  you;  for  God  is  endued  with  beneficence 
toward  the  faithful);  when  ye  went  up  as  ye  tied,  and  looked  not  back 
on  any;  while  the  apostle  called  you,  in  the  uttermost  part  of  you. 
Therefore  God  rewarded  you  with  affliction  on  affliction,  that  ye  be  not 
grieved  hereafter  for  the  spoils  which  ye  fail  of,  nor  for  that  which  be- 
falleth  you;  for  God  is  well  acquainted  witli  whatever  ye  do.  Then 
he  sent  down  upon  you  after  affliction  security ;  a  soft  sleep  which  fell 
on  some  part  of  you;  but  other  part  were  troubled  by  their  own  souls; 
falsely  thinking  of  God  a  foolish  imagination,  saying.  Will  anything 
of  the  matter  happen  unto  us?  Say.  Verily  the  matter  belongeth  wholly 
unto  God.  They  concealed  in  their  minds  what  they  declared  not 
unto  thee;  saying,  If  anything  of  the  matter  had  happened  unto  us, 
we  had  not  been  slain  here.  Answer,  If  ye  had  been  in  your  hou>es, 
verily  they  would  have  gone  forth  to  fight,  who.se  slaughter  was  tie- 
creed,  to  the  places  where  they  died,  and  this  came  to  pas*  that  <;<••! 
might  try  what  was  in  your  brea>ts.  and  might  discern  what  was  in 
your  hearts;  for  God  knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  the  brea>i>  of 
men.  Verily  they  among  you  who  turned  their  Lacks  on  the  day 
whereon  the  two  armies  met  each  other  at  Ohod.  Satan  caused  them 
to  slip,  for  some  crime  which  they  had  committed:  but  now  hath  God 
forgiven  them;  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  ()  true  believers. 
be  not  as  they  who  believe  not,  and  said  of  their  brethren,  when  they 
had  journeyed  in  the  land  or  had  been  at  war,  If  they  had  been  with 
uSj  those  had  not  died,  nor  had  these  l>een  slain:  whereas  what  befell 
them  was  so  ordained  that  God  might  make  it  matter  of  sighing  in  their 
hearts.  God  giveth  life,  and  causeth  to  die:  and  God  *eeth  that 
which  ye  do.  Moreover  if  ye  be  slain,  or  -lie  in  defence  of  the  re- 
ligion of  God;  verily  pardon  from  God,  and  mercy.  i>  better  than 
what  they  heap  together  of  worldly  riches.  And  if  ye  die,  or  be  slain, 
verily  unto  God  shall  ye  be  gathered.  And  as  to  the  mercy  granted 
unto  the  disobedient  from  God.  them,  ()  Mohammed,  hast  been  mild  to- 
wards them;  but  if  thou  hadst  been  severe  and  hard-hearted,  they  had 
surely  separated  themselves  from  about  thee.  Therefore  forgive  them. 
and  ask  pardon  for  them:  and  consult  them  in  the  affair  of  war:  and 


AL  KORAN.  45 

after  them  hast  deliberated,  trust  in  God ;  for  God  loveth  those  who 
trust  in  him.  If  God  help  you,  none  shall  conquer  you;  bui  if  he 
desert  you,  who  is  it  that  will  help  you  after  him?  Therefore  in  God 
let  the  faithful  trust.  It  is  not  the  part  of  a  prophet  to  defraud,  for 
lie  who  defraudeth,  shall  bring  with  him  what  he  hath  defrauded 
any  one  of,  on  the  day  of  the  resurrection.  Then  shall  every 
soul  be  paid  what  he  hath  gained;  and  they  shall  not  be  treated  un- 
ju-tly.  Shall  he  therefore  who  followeth  that  which  is  well  pleasing 
unto  God.  be  as  he  who  briugeth  on  himself  wrath  from  God,  and 
whose  receptacle  is  hell?  an  evil  journey  sha11  it  be  thither.  There 
shall  be  degrees  of  rewards  and  punishments  with  God,  for  God  seetb 
what  they  do.  Now  hath  God  been  gracious  unto  the  believers  when 
he  raised  up  among  them  an  apostle  of  their  own  nation,  who  should 
recite  his  signs  unto  them,  and  purify  them,  and  teach  them  the  book 
of  the  Koran  and  wisdom:  whereas  they  were  before  in  manifest 
error.  After  :i  misfortune  hath  befallen  you  at  Ohod  (ye  had  already 
obtained  two  euiial  advantages),  do  ye  say,  Whence  cometh  this? 
Answer.  This  is  from  yourselves:  for  God  is  almighty.  And  what 
happened  unto  you,  on  the  day  whereon  the  two  armies  met,  was 
certainly  by  the  permission  of  God;  and  that  he  might  know  the  faith- 
ful, and  that  he  might  know  the  ungodly.  It  was  said  unto  them, 
Come,  tight  for  the  religion  of  God,  or  drive  back  the  enemy:  they 
answered,  If  we  had  known  ye  want  out  to  fight,  we  had  certainly  fol- 
lowe  you.  They  were  on  that  day  nearer  unto  unbelief  than"they 
were  to  faith;  they  spake  with  their  mouths  what  was  not  in  the'" 
hearts:  but  God  perfectly  knew  what  they  concealed;  who  said  of 
their  brethren,  while  Uu  nisei  ves  stayed  at  home,  if  they  had  obeyed  us, 
they  liitd  not  been  slain.  Say,  Then  keep  back  death  from  yourselves, 
if  ye  say  truth.  Thou  shall  in  no  wise  reckon  those  who  have  been 
slain  at  Onod  in  the  cause  of  God,  dead;  nay,  they  are  sustained  alive 
with  their  Lord,  rejoicing  for  what  God  of  his  favour  hath  granted 
them;  and  being  glad  for  those  who,  coming  after  them,  have  not  as 
yet  overtaken  them :  be.'.ause  there  shall  no  fear  come  on  them, 
neither  shall  they  be  grieved.  They  are  filled  with  joy  for  the  favour 
•vhich  they  have  received  frum  God,  and  his  bounty;  and  for  that  God 
•ouffereth  not  the  reward  of  Cie  faithful  to  perish*  They  who  heark- 
ened unto  God  and  his  apostle,  after  a  wound  had  befallen  them  at 
Ohod.  such  of  them  as  do  good  works,  and  fear  God,  shall  have  a 
great  reward;  unto  whom  certain  men  said,  Verily  the  men  of  Mecca 
have  already  gathered  forces  against  you,  be  ye  therefore  afraid  of 
them:  but  this  increaseth  their  luith,  and  they  said,  God  is  our  sup- 
port, and  the  most  excellent  patron.  Wherefore  they  returned  with 
favour  from  God.  and  advantage;  no  evil  befell  them:  and  they  fol- 
lowed what  was  well  pleasing  unto  God;  for  God  is  endowed  with 
great  liberality.  Verily  that  devil  would  cause  you  to  fear  his  friends: 
but  be  ye  not  afraid  of  them;  but  feat  me,  if  ye  be  true  believers. 
They  shall  not  grieve  thee,  who  emakmsly  hasten  unto  infidelity;  for 


46  AL  KORAK 

they  shall  never  hurt  God  at  all.  God  will  not  give  them  a  part  in 
the  next  life,  and  they  shall  suffer  a  great  punishment.  Surelj 
those  who  purchase  infidelity  with  faith,  shall  by  no  means  hurt 
God  at  all,  but  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment.  And  let  not 
the  unbelievers  think,  because  wTe  grant  them  lives  long  and  prosper- 
ous, that  it  is  better  for  their  souls :  we  grant  them  long  and  prosper- 
ous lives  only  that  their  iniquity  may  be  increased;  and  they  shall 
suffer  an  ignominious  punishment.  God  is  not  disposed  to  leave  the 
faithful  in  the  condition  which  ye  are  now  in,  until  he  sever  the 
wicked  from  the  good;  nor  is  God  disposed  to  make  you  acquainted 
with  what  is  a  hidden  >ecret,  but  God  chooseth  such  of  his  apostle? 
a-^  he  pleaseth,  to  reveal  his  mind  unto:  believe  therefore  in  God,  and 
his  apostles;  and  if  ye  believe,  and  fear  God,  ye  shall  receive  a  great 
reward.  And  let  not  those  who  are  covetous  of  what  God  of  his 
bounty  hath  granted  them,  imagine  that  their  avarice  is  better  for 
them :  nay,  rather  it  is  worse  for  them.  That  which  thev  have  covet- 
ously reserved  shall  be  bound  as  a  collar  about  their  neck,  on  the  day 
of  the  resurrection :  unto  God  belongeth  the  inheritance  of  heaven  and 
earth;  and  God  is  well  acquainted  with  what  ye  do.  God  hath  a 
ready  heard  the  saying  of  those  who  said,  Verily  God  is  poor,  and  w 
are  rich:  we  will  surely  write  down  what  they  have  said,  and  the 
slaughter  which  they  have  made  of  the  prophets  without  a  cause 
and  we  will  say  unto  them,  Taste  ye  the  pain  of  burning.  This  shal 
they  suffer  for  the  evil  which  their  hands  have  sent  before  them,  and 
because  God  is  not  unjust  towards  mankind;  who  also  say,  Sureh 
God  hath  commanded  us,  that  we  should  not  give  credit  to  any 
apostle,  until  one  should  come  unto  us  with  a  sacrifice,  which  should 
be  consumed  by  fire.  Say,  Apostles  have  already  come  unto  you  be 
fore  me,  with  plain  proofs,  and  with  the  miracle  which  ye  mention: 
why  therefore  have  ye  slain  them,  if  ye  speak  truth?  If  they  accuse 
thee  of  imposture,  the  apostles  before  thee  have  also  been  accounted 
impostors,  who  brought  evident  demonstrations,  ~nd  the  scriptures, 
and  the  book  which  enlightened  the  understanding.  Every  soul  shall 
taste  of  death,  and  ye  shall  have  your  rewards  on  the  day  of  resur- 
rection; and  he  who  shall  be  far  removed  from  hell  fire,  and  shall  be 
admitted  into  paradise,  shall  be  happy:  but  the  present  life  is  only  a 
deceitful  provision.  Ye  shall  surely  be  proved  in  your  possessions, 
and  in  your  persons;  and  ye  shall  bear  from  those  unto  whom  the 
scripture  was  delivered  before  you,  and  from  the  idolaters,  much 
hurt :  but  if  ye  be  patient,  and  fear  God,  this  is  a  matter  that  is  abso- 
lutely determined.  And  when  God  accepted  the  covenant  of  those 
to  whom  the  book  of  the  law  was  given,  saying,  Ye  shall  surely  pub- 
Jish  it  unto  mankind,  ye  shall  not  hide  it;  yet  they  threw  it  behind 
their  backs,  and  sold  it  for  a  small  price;  but  woeful  is  the  price  for 
which  they  have  sold  it.  Think  not  that  they  who  rejoice  at  what 
they  have"  done,  and  expect- to  be  praised  for  what  they  have  not 
done;  think  not,  O  prophet,  that  they  shall  escape  from  punishment^ 


AL  KORAN.  47 

for  they  shall  suffer  a  -painful  punishment :  and  unto  God  belongeth 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth ;  God  is  almighty.  Now  in  the 
creation  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  vicissitude  of  night  and  day, 
are  signs  unto  those  who  are  endued  with  understanding;  who  i*1- 
member  God  standing,  and  sitting,  and  lying  on  their  sides;  aui 
meditate  on  the  creation  of  heaven  and  earth,  saying,  O  Lord,  tho'n 
hast  not  created  this  in  vain;  far  be  it  from  thee:  therefore  deliver  us 
from  the  torment  of  hell  tire:  O  Lord,  surely  whom  thou  shalt  throw 
into  the  fire,  thou  wilt  also  cover  with  shame;  nor  shall  the  ungodly 
have  any  to  help  them.  O  Lord,  we  have  heard  a  preacher  inviting 
us  to  the  faith,  and  saying,  Believe  in  your  Lord:  and  we  believed. 
O  Lord,  forgive  us  therefore  our  sins,  and  expiate  our  evil  deeds  from 
us,  and  make  us  to  die  with  the  righteous.  O  Lord,  give  us  also  the 
reward  which  thou  hast  promised  by  thy  apostles;  and  cover  us  not 
with  shame  on  the  day  of  resurrection;  for  thou  art  not  contrary  to 
the  promise.  Their  Lord  therefore  answereth  them,  saying,  I  will 
not  suffer  the  work  of  him  among  you  who  worketh  to  be  lost, 
whether  he  be  male  or  female:  the  one  of  you  is  from  the  other. 
They  therefore  who  have  left  their  country,  and  have  been  turned  out 
of  their  houses,  and  have  suffered  for  my  sake,  and  have  been  slain 
in  battle;  verily  I  will'expiate  their  evil  deeds  from  them,  and  I  will 
surely  bring  them  into  gardens  watered  by  rivers;  a  reward  from 
God :  and  with  God  is  the  most  excellent  reward.  Let  not  the  pros- 
perous dealing  of  the  unbelievers  in  the  land  deceive  thee :  it  is  but 
a  slender  provision ;  and  then  their  receptacle  shall  be  hell ;  an  un- 
happy couch  shall  it  be.  But  they  who  fear  their  Lord  shall  have 
gardens  through  which  rivers  flow,  they  shall  continue  therein  for 
ever:  this  is  the  gift  of  God;  for  what  is  with  God  shall  be  better  for 
the  righteous  than  short-lived  worldly  prosperity.  There  are  some  of 
those  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  who  believe  in  God,  and  that 
which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  you,  and  that  which  hath  been  sent 
down  to  them,  submitting  themselves  unto  God;  they  tell  not  the 
signs  of  God  for  a  small  price :  these  shall  have  their  reward  with 
their  Lord;  for  God  is  swift  in  taking  an  account.  O  true  believers, 
be  patient,  and  strive  to  excel  in  patience,  and  be  constant-minded. 
and  fear  God,  that  ye  may  be  happy. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

UJN TITLED,    WOMEN;    REVEALED   AT   MEDINA. 
IN  THE   NAME  OF  THE   MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  MEX,  fear  your  Lord,  who  hath  created  you  out  of  one  man,  and 
out  of  him  created  his  wife,  and  from  them  two  hath  multiplieu 
many  men  and  women:  and  fear  God  by  whom  ye  beseech  one 
another;  and  respect  women  who  have  borne  you,  for  God  is  watchii.g 
over  you.  And  give  the  orphans  when  they  come  to  age  their  sub- 
stance; and  render  them  not  in  exchange  bad  for  good:  and  devour 
not  their  substance,  by  adding  it  to  your  substance;  for  this  is  a  great 
sin.  And  if  ye  fear  that  ye  shall  not  act  with  equity  towards 
orphans  of  the  female  sex,  lake  in  marriage  of  such  other  women  as 
please  you,  two,  or  three,  or  four,  and  not  more.  But  if  ye  fear  that 
ye  cannot  act  equitably  towards  so  many,  marry  one  only,  or  the  slaves 
which  ye  shall  have  acquired.  This  will  be  easier,  that  ye  swerve 
not  from  righteousness.  And  give  women  their  dowry  freely;  but  if 
they  voluntarily  remit  unto  you  an}-  part  of  it,  enjoy  it  with  satisfac- 
tion and  advantage.  And  give  not  unto  those  who  are  weak  of  un- 
derstanding, the  substance  which  God  hath  appointed  you  to  preserve 
for  them;  but  maintain  them  thereout,  and  clot  He  them,  and  speak 
kindly  unto  them.  And  examine  the  orphans  until  they  attain  the 
age  of  marriage:  but  if  ye  perceive  they  are  able  to  manage  their 
affairs  well,  deliver  their  substance  unto  them;  and  waste  it  not  ex- 
travagantly, or  hastily,  because  they  grow  up.  Let  him  who  is  rich 
abstain  entirely  from  the  orphan's  estates;  and  let  him  who  is  poor  take 
thereof  according  to  what  shall  be  reasonable.  And  when  ye  deliver 
their  substance  unto  them,  call  witnesses  thereof  in  their  presence :  God 
taketh  sufficient  account  of  your  actions.  Men  ought  to  have  a  part 
of  what  their  parents  and  kindred  leave  behind  them  when  they  die: 
and  women  also  ought  to  have  a  part  of  what  their  parents  and 
kindred  leave,  whether  it  be  little,  or  whether  it  be  much;  a  deter- 
minate part  is  due  to  them.  And  when  they  who  are  of  kin  are 
present  at  the  dividing  of  what  is  left,  and  also  the  oprhans,  and  the 
poor;  distribute  unto  them  some  part  thereof ;  and  if  the  estate  be  too 
small,  at  least  speak  comfortably  unto  them.  And  let  those  fear  to 
abuse  orphans,  who  if  they  leave  behind  them  a  weak  offspring,  are 
solicitous  for  them:  let  them  therefore  fear  God,  and  speak  that  which 
is  convenient.  Surely  they  who  devour  the  possessions  of  orphans 
unjustly,  shall  swallow  down  nothing  but  fire  into  their  bellies,  and 
shall  broil  in  raging  flames.  God  hath  thus  commanded  you  con- 
cerning your  children.  A  male  shall  have  as  much  as  the  share  of 
two  females:  but  if  they  be  females  only,  and  above  two  in  number, 


AL  KORAN.  49 

they  shall  have  two  third  parts  of  what  the  deceased  shall  leave;  «ind 
if  there  be  but  one,  she  shall  have  the  half.  And  the  parents  of  thw 
deceased  shall  have  each  of  them  a  sixth  part  of  what  he  shall  leave,  if 
he  have  a  child:  but  if  he  have  no  child,  and  his  parents  be  his 
heirs,  then  his  mother  shall  have  the  third  part.  And  if  he 
have  brethren,  his  mother  shall  have  a  sixth  part,  after  the  legacies 
which  he  shall  bequeath,  and  his  debts  be  paid.  Ye  know  not  whether 
your  parents  or  your  children  be  of  greater  use  unto  you.  This  is  an 
ordinance  from  God,  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  Moreover  ye 
may  claim  half  of  what  your  wives  shall  leave,  if  they  have  no  issue; 
but"  if  they  have  issue,  then  ye  shall  have  the  fourth  part  of  what 
they  shall  leave,  after  the  legacies  which  they  shall  bequeath,  and  the 
del  its  be  paid.  They  also  shall  have  the  fourth  part  of  what  ye  shall 
leave,  in  case  ye  have  no  issue;  but  if  ye  have  issue,  then  they  shall 
have  the  eighth  part  of  what  ye  shall  leave,  after  the  legacies  which 
ye  shall  bequeath  and  vour  debts  be  paid.  And  if  a  man  or  woman's 
.MIS  istance  be  inherited  by  a  distant  relation,  and  he  or  she  have  a 
brother  or  sister;  each  of  them  two  shall  have  a  sixth  part  of  the  es- 
tate. But  if  there  be  more  than  this  number,  they  shall  be  equal 
sharers  in  a  third  part,  after  payment  of  the  legacies  which  shall  be 
bequeathed,  and  the  debts,  without  prejudice  to  the  heirs.  This  is  an 
ordinance  from  God:  and  God  is  knowing  and  gracious.  These  are 
the  statutes  of  God.  And  whoso  obeyeth  God  and  his  apostle,  God 
shall  lead  him  into  gardens  wherein  rivers  flow,  they  shall  continue 
therein  for  ever;  and  this  shall  be  great  happiness.  But  whoso  dis- 
obeyeth  God  and  his  apostle,  and  transgresseth  his  statutes,  God 
shall  cast  him  into  hell  fire;  he  shall  remain  therein  for  ever,  and  he 
thall  suffer  a  shameful  punishment.  If  any  of  your  women  be  guilty 
of  whoredom,  produce  four  witnesses  from  among  you  against  them, 
and  if  they  bear  witness  against  them,  imprison  them  in  separate 
apartments  until  death  release  them,  or  God  affordeth  them  a  way 
in  r-rape.  And  if  two  of  you  commit  the  like  wickedness,  punish 
them  both:  but  if  they  repent  and  amend,  let  them  both  alone;  for 
God  is  easy  to  be  reconciled  and  merciful.  Verily  repentance  will 
be  acepted  with  God,  from  those  who  do  evil  ignorantly,  and  then  re- 
pent speedily;  unto  them  will  God  be  turned:  for  God  is  knowing 
and  wise.  But  no  repentance  shall  be  accepted  from  those  who  do 
evil  until  the  time  when  death  presenteth  itself  unto  one  of  them,  and 
he  saith,  Verily,  I  repent  now;  nor  unto  those  who  die  unbelievers; 
for  them  have  we  prepared  a  grievous  punishment.  O  true  believers, 
it  is  not  lawful  for  you  to  be  heirs  of  women  against  their  will,  nor 
to  hinder  them  from  marrying  others,  that  ye  may  take  away  part  of 
what  ye  have  given  them  in  dowry;  unless  they  have  been  guilty  of 
a  manifest,  crime:  but  converse  kindly  with  them.  And  if  ye  hate 
them,  it  may  happen  that  ye  may  hate  a  thing  wherein  God  hath 
placed  much  good.  If  ye  be  desirous  to  exchange  a  wife  for  anoth«r 
wife,  and  ye  have  already  given  one  of  them  a  talent;  take  not  awav. 


50  AL  KORAN. 

anything  therefrom:  will  ye  take  it  by  slandering  her,  and  doing  her 
manifest  injustice?  And  how  can  ye  take  it,  since  the  one  of  you 
hath  gone  in  unto  the  other,  and  the}'  have  received  from  you  a  firm 
covenant?  Marry  not  women  whom  you  fathers  have  had  to  wife 
(except  what  is  already  past):  for  this  is  uucleanness,  and  an  abomi- 
nation, and  an  evil  way.  Ye  are  forbidden  to  marry  your  mother*, 
and  your  daughters,  and  your  sisters,  and  your  aunts  both  on  the 
father's  and  on  the  mother's  side,  and  your  brother's  daughters,  and 
your  sister's  daughters,  and  your  mothers  who  have  given  YOU  suck, 
and  your  foster-sisters,  and  your  wives'  mothers,  and  your  daughters- 
in-law  which  are  under  your  tuition,  born  of  your  wives  unto  "whom 
ye  have  gone  in  (but  if  ye  nave  not  gone  in  unto  them,  it  shall  be  no 
sin  in  you  to  marry  them),  and  the  wives  of  your  sons  who  proceed 
out  of  your  loins;  and  ye  are  also  forbidden  to  take  to  wife  two  sis- 
ters; except  what  is  already  past:  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful. 
(V.)  Ye  are  also  forbidden  to  take  to  wife  free  women  who  are  married, 
except  those  women  whom  your  right  hands  shall  possess  as  slaves. 
This  is  ordained  you  from  God.  "Whatever  is  beside  this,  is  allowed 
you;  that  ye  may  with  your  substance  provide  wives  for  yourselves, 
acting  that  which  is  right,  and  avoiding  whoredom.  And  for  the 
advantage  which  ye  receive  from  them,  give  them  their  reward,  ac- 
cording to  what  is  ordained:  but  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  you  to  make 
any  other  agreement  among  yourselves,  after  the  ordinance  shall  be 
complied  with;  for  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  "Whoso  among  you 
hath  not  means  sufficient  that  he  may  marry  free  women,  who  are 
believers,  let  him  marry  with  such  of  your  maid-servants  whom 
your  right  hands  possess,  as  are  true  believers;  for  God  well  knoweth 
your  faith.  Ye  are  the  one  from  the  other :  therefore  marry  them  with 
the  consent  of  their  masters;  and  give  them  their  dower  according  to 
justice;  such  as  are  modest,  not  guilty  of  whoredom,  nor  entertaining 
lovers.  And  when  they  are  married,  if  the}'  be  guilty  of  adultery, 
they  shall  suffer  half  the  punishment  which  is  appointed  for  the  free 
women.  This  is  allowed  unto  him  among  you,  who  feareth  to  sin  by 
marrying  free  women;  but  if  ye  abstain  from  marrying  slaves,  it  will  be 
better  for  you;  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  God  is  willing  to  de- 
clare these  things  unto  you,  and  to  direct  you  according  to  the  ordi- 
nances of  those  who  have  gone  before  you,  and  to  be  merciful  unto 
you.  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  God  desireth  to  be  gracious  unto  you ; 
but  they  who  follow  their  lusts,  desire  that  ye  should  turn  aside 
from  the  truth  with  great  deviation.  God  is  minded  to  make  his 
religion  light  unto  you:  for  man  was  created  weak.  O  true  believ- 
ers, consume  not  your  wealth  among  yourselves  in  vanity:  unless 
there  be  merchandizing  among  you  by  mutual  consent:  neither  slay 
yourselves;  for  God  is  merciful  to  wards  you:  and  whoever  doth  this 
maliciously  and  wickedly,  he  will  surely  cast  him  to  be*  broiled  in 
hell  fire;  and  this  is  easy  with  God.  If  ye  turn  aside  from  the 
grievous  sins,  of  those  which  ye  are  forbidden  to  commit,  we  will 


AL  KORAN.  51 

cleanse  you  from  your  smaller  faults;  and  will  introduce  you  into 
paradise  with  an  honourable  entry.  Covet  not  that  which  God  hath 
bestowed  on  some  of  you  preferably  to  others.  Unto  the  men  shall 
be  given  a  portion  of  what  (hey  shall  have  gained,  and  unto  the 
women  shall  be  given  a  portion  of  what  they  shall  have  gained: 
therefore  ask  God  of  his  bounty;  for  God  is  omniscient.  AVe  have 
appointed  unto  every  one  kindred,  to  inherit  part  of  what  their 
parents  and  relations  shall  leave  at  their  deaths.  And  unto  those 
with  whom  your  right  hands  have  made  an  alliance,  give  their  part 
of  the  inheritance;  for  God  is  witness  of  all  things.  Men  shall  have 
the  pre-eminence  above  women,  because  of  those  advantages  wherein 
God  hath  caused  the  one  of  them  to  excel  the  other,  and  for  that 
which  they  expend  of  their  substance  in  maintaining  their  wives. 
The  honest  women  are  obedient,  careful  in  the  absence  of  their  hus- 
bands, for  that  God  preserveth  them,  by  committing  them  to  the 
cure  and  protection  of  the  men.  But  those,  whose  perverseness  ve 
shall  be  apprehensive  of,  rebuke;  and  remove  them  into  separate 
apartments,  and  chastise  them.  But  if  they  shall  be  obedient 
unto  you  seek  not  an  occasion  of  quarrel  against  them ;  for  God  is 
hiirh  and  great.  And  if  ye  fear  a  breach  between  the  husband  and 
wife,  send  a  judge  out  of  his  family,  and  a  judge  out  of  her  family: 
if  they  shall  desire  a  reconciliation,  God  will  cause  them  to  agree; 
for  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  Serve  God,  and  associate  no  creature 
with  him:  and  show  kindness  unto  parents,  and  relations,  and 
orphans,  and  the  poor,  and  your  neighbour  who  is  of  kin  to  you,  and 
also  your  neighbour  who  is  a  stranger,  and  to  your  familiar  compan- 
ion, and  the  traveller,  and  the  captives  whom  your  right  hands  shall 
possess;  for  God  loveth  not  the  proud  or  vainglorious,  who  are  cov- 
etous, and  recommend  covetpusness  unto  men,  and  conceal  that  which 
God  of  his  bounty  hath  given  them  (we  have  prepared  a  shamful 
punishment  for  the  unbelievers);  and  who  bestow  their  wealth  in 
charity  to  be  observed  of  men,  and  believe  not  in  God,  nor  in  the 
last  day ;  and  whoever  hath  Satan  for  a  companion,  an  evil  companion 
hath  he !  And  what  harm  would  befall  them  if  they  should  believe  in 
God  and  the  last  day  and  give  alms  out  of  that  which  God  hath 
bestowed  on  them?  since  God  knoweth  them  who  do  this.  Verily 
God  will  not  wrong  any  one,  even  the  weight  of  an  ant;  and  if  it  be 
a  good  action,  he  will  double  it,  and  will  recompense  it  in  his  sight  with 
a  great  reward.  How  will  it  be  with  the  unbelievers  when  we  shall 
bring  a  witness  out  of  each  nation  against  itself,  and  shall  bring  thee, 
()  Mohammed,  a  witness  against  these  people  ?  In  that  day  they  who 
have  not  believed,  and  have  rebelled  against  the  apostle  of  God,  shall 
wish  the  earth  was  levelled  with  them;  and  they  shall  not  be  able  to 
hide  any  matter  from  God.  O  true  believers,  come  not  to  prayers 
when  ye  are  drunk,  until  ye  understand  what  ye  say;  nor  when  ye 
are  polluted  by  emission  of  seed,  unless  ye  be  travelling  on  the  road, 
uutii  ye  wash 'yourselves.  But  if  ye  be  sick,  or  on  a  journey,  or  any 


52  AL  KORAX. 

of  you  come  from  easing  nature,  or  have  touched  women,  and  find 
no  water ;  take  fine  clean  sand  and  rub  your  faces  and  your  hands 
therewith;  for  God  is  merciful  and  inclined  to  forgive.  Hast  thou 
not  observed  those  unto  whom  part  of  the  scripture  A\as  delivered  ? 
they  sell  error,  and  desire  that  ye  may  wander  from  the  right  way ; 
but  God  well  knoweth  your  enemies.  God  is  a  sufficient  patron, 
and  God  is  a  sufficient  helper.  Of  the  Jews  there  are  some  who 
pervert  words  from  their  places;  and  .say,  We  have  heard,  and  have 
disobeyed;  and  do  thou  hear  without  understanding  our  meaning, 
and  look  upon  us:  perplexing  with  their  tongues,  and  reviling  the 
true  religion.  But  if  they  had  said,  We  have  heard,  and  do  obe\ 
and  do  thou  hear,  and  regard  us:  certainly  it  were  better  for  them, 
and  more  right.  But  God  hath  cursed  them  by  reason  of  their  in- 
fidelity; therefore  a  few  of  them  only  >hall  believe.  O  ye  to  whom 
the  scriptures  have  been  given,  believe  in  the  revelation  which  we 
have  sent  down,  confirming  that  which  is  with  you:  before  we  de- 
face your  countenances,  and  render  them  as  the  back  parts  thereof; 
or  curse  them,  as  we  cursed  those  who  transgressed  on  the  sabbath 
day;  and  the  command  of  God  was  fulfilled.  Surely  God  will  not 
pardon  the  giving  him  an  equal ;  but  will  pardon  any  other  sin,  ex- 
cept that,  to  whom  he  pleaseth:  and  whoso  giveth  a  companion  unto 
God,  hath  devised  a  great  wickedness.  Ha-t  thou  not  observed 
those  who  justify  themselves  ?  But  God  justifieth  whomsoever  he 
pleaseth,  nor  shall  they  be  wronged  a  hair.  Behold,  how  they  im- 
agine a  lie  against  God:  and  therein  is  iniquity  sufficiently  manifest. 
Ha>t  thou  not  considered  those  to  whom  part  of  the  scripture  hath 
been  given  ?  They  believe  in  false  gods  and  idols,  and  say  of  those 
who  believe  not,  These  are  mere  rightly  directed  in  the  way  of  truth 
than  they  who  believe  on  Mohammed.  Those  are  the  men  whom 
God  hath  cursed;  and  unto  him  whom  God  shall  curse,  thou  shall 
surely  find  no  helper.  Shall  they  have  part  of  the  kingdom,  since 
even  then  they  would  not  bestow  the  smallest  matter  on  men  ?  Do 
they  envy  other  men  that  which  God  of  his  bounty  hath  given  them  ? 
We  formerly  gave  unto  the  family  of  Abraham  a  book  of  revelations 
and  wisdom ;  and  we  gave  them  a  great  kingdom.  There  is  of  them 
who  believeth  on  him;  and  there  is  of  them  who  turneth  aside  from 
him :  but  the  raging  fire  of  hell  is  a  sufficient  punishment.  Verily, 
those  who  disbelieve  our  signs,  we  will  surely  cast  to  be  broiled  in 
hell  fire;  so  often  as  their  skins  shall  be  well  burned,  we  will  give 
them  other  skins  in  exchange,  that  they  may  taste  the  sharper  tor 
ment;  for  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  But  those  who  believe  and  do 
that  which  is  right,  we  will  bring  into  gardens  watered  by  rivers, 
therein  shall  they  remain  for  ever',  and  there  shall  they  enjoy  wivo 
free  from  all  impurity:  and  we  will  lead  them  into  perpetual  .-hades. 
Moreover  God  commamleth  you  to  re>tore  what  ye  are  trusted  with, 
to  t lie  owners:  and  when  ye  judge  Ijetween  men.  that  ye  judire  ac- 
cord in  <j  t<>  equity:  and  surely  an  excellent  virtue  it  is  to  which  God 


At 

exhorteth  you;  for  God  both  heareth  and  seeth.  0  true  believers, 
obey  God,  and  obey  the  apostle,  and  those  who  are  in  authority 
among  you:  and  if  ye  differ  in  anything,  refer  it  unto  God  and  tlu» 
apostle,  if  ye  believe  in  God  and  the  last  day:  this  is  better,  and  a 
fairer  method  of  determination.  Hast  thou  not  observed  those 
who  pretend  they  believe  in  what  hath  been  revealed  unto 
thee.  and  what  hath  been  revealed  before  thee  ?  They  desire 
to  go  to  judgment  before  Taghiit,  although  they  have  been  com- 
manded not  to  believe  in  him;  and  Satan  desireth  to  seduce  them 
into  a  wide  error.  And  when  it  is  said  unto  them,  Come  unto  the 
book  which  God  hath  sent  down,  and  to  the  apostle;  thou  seest  the 
ungodly  turn  aside  from  thee,  with  great  aversion.  But  how  will 
they  behave  when  a  misfortune  shall  befall  them,  for  that  which 
their  hands  have  sent  before  them  ?  Then  will  they  come  unto  thee, 
and  swear  by  God,  saying,  If  we  intended  any  other  than  to  do 
good,  and  to  reconcile  the  parties.  God  kuoweth  what  is  in  the 
hearts  of  these  men;  therefore  let  them  alone,  and  admonish  them, 
and  speak  unto  them  a  word  which  may  affect  their  souls.  We  have 
not  sent  any  apostle,  but  that  he  might  be  obeyed  by  the  permission 
of  God:  but  if  they,  after  they  have  injured  their  own  souls,  come 
unto  thee,  and  ask  pardon  of  God,  and  the  apostle  ask  pardon  for 
them,  they  shall  surely  find  God  easy  to  be  reconciled  and  merciful. 
And  by  thy  Lord  they  will  not  perfectly  believe,  until  they  make 
thee  judge  of  their  controversies:  and  shall  not  afterwards  find  in 
their  own  minds  any  hardship  in  what  thou  shalt  determine,  but 
shall  acquiesce  therein  with  entire  submission.  And  if  we  had  com- 
manded them,  siying.  Slay  yourselves,  or  depart  from  your  houses; 
they  would  not  have  done  it.  except  a  few  of  them.  And  if  they 
had  done  what  they  were  admonished,  it  would  certainly  have  been 
better  for  them,  and  more  efficacious  for  confirming  their  faith;  and 
we  should  then  have  surely  given  them  in  our  sight  an  exceeding 
great  reward,  and  we  should  have  directed  them  in  the  right  way. 
Whoever  obeyeth  God  and  the  apostle,  they  shall  be  with  those  unto 
whom  God  hath  been  gracious,  of  the  prophets,  and  the  sincere,  and 
the  martyrs,  and  the  righteous;  and  these  are  the  most  excellent 
company!  This  is  bounty  from  God;  and  God  is  sufficiently  know- 
ing. O  true  believers,  take  your  necessary  precaution  against  your 
enemies,  and  either  go  forth  to  war  in  separau:  parties,  or  go  forth 
all  together  in  a  bod}".  There  is  of  you  who  turrieth  behind;  and  if 
a  misfortune  befall  you.  he  saith.  Verily  God  hath  been  gracious 
unto  me,  that  I  was  not  present  with  them:  but  if  success  attend 
you  from  God,  he  will  say  (as  if  there  was  no  friendship  between 
you  and  him),  Would  to  God  I  had  been  with  them,  for  I  should 
have  acquired  great  merit.  Let  them  therefore  fight  for  the  religion 
of  God,  who  part  with  the  present  life  in  exchange  for  that  which 
is  to  come;  for  whosoever  tighteth  for  the  religion  of  God,  whether 
he  be  slain,  or  be  victorious,  we  will  surely  give  him  a  great  reward 


54  AL  KORAN. 

And  what  ails  you,  that  ye  fight  not  for  God's  true  religion,  and  in 
defence  of  the  weak  among  men,  women,  and  children,  who  say,  O 
Lord,  bring  us  forth  from  this  city,  whose  inhabitants  are  wicked; 
grant  us  from  before  thee  a  protector,  and  grant  us  from  thee  a  de- 
fender. They  who  believe  fight  for  the  religion  of  God;  but  they 
who  believe  not  fight  for  the  religion  of  Taghiit.  Fight  therefore 
against  the  friends  of  Satan,  for  the  stratagem  of  Satan  is  weak. 
Hast  tliou  not  observed  those  unto  whom  it  was  said,  Withhold  your 
hands  from  war,  and  be  constant  at  prayers,  and  pay  the  legal  alms  ? 
But  when  war  is  commanded  them,  behold,  a  part  of  them  fear 
men  as  they  should  fear  God,  or  with  a  greater  fear,  and  say,  O 
Lord,  wherefore  hast  thou  commanded  us  to  go  to  war,  and  hast  not 
suffered  us  to  wait  our  approaching  end  ?  Say  unto  them,  The 
provision  of  this  life  is  but  small;  but  the  future  shall  be  better 
for  them  who  feareth  God;  and  ye  shall  not  be  in  the  least  injured  at 
the  day  of  judgment.  Wheresoever  ye  be.  death  will  overtake  you, 
although  ye  be  in  lofty  towers.  If  good  befall  them,  they  say.  This  is 
from  God;  but  if  evil  befall  them,  they  say,  This  is  from  thee,  O  Mo- 
bammed:  say,  All  is  from  God;  and  what  aileth  these  people,  that 
they  are  so  far  from  understanding  wrhat  is  said  unto  them  ':  Whatever 
good  befalleth  thee,  O  man,  it  is  from  God;  and  whatever  evil  befall- 
eth  thee,  it  is  from  thyself.  We  have  sent  thee  an  apostle  unto  men, 
and  God  is  a  sufficient  witness  thereof.  Whoever  obeyeth  the  apos- 
tle, obeyeth  God;  and  whoever  turneth  back,  we  have  not  sent  thee 
to  be  a  keeper  over  them.  They  say,  Obedience:  yet  when  they  go 
forth  from  thee,  part  of  them  meditate  by  night  a  matter  different 
from  what  thou  speakest;  but  God  shall  write  down  what  they  med- 
itate by  uight:  therefore  let  them  alone,  and  trust  in  God,  for  God  is 
a  sufficient  protector.  Do  they  not  attentively  consider  the  Koran? 
If  it4iad  been  from  any  besides  God,  they  would  certainly  have  found 
therein  many  contradictions.  When  any  news  cometh  unto  them, 
either  of  security  or  fear,  they  immediately  divulge  it;  but  if  they  told 
it  to  the  apostle  and  to  those  who  are  in  authority  among  them,  such 
of  them  would  understand  the  truth  of  the  matter,  as  inform  them- 
selves thereof  from  the  apostles  and  his  chiefs.  And  if  the  favour  of 
God  and  his  mercy  had  not  been  upon  you,  ye  had  followed  the  devil 
except  a  few  of  you.  Fight  therefore  for  the  religion  of  God,  and  oblL> 
notanyto  what  is  difficult,  except  thyself:  however,  excite  the  faithful 
to  war,  perhaps  God  will  restrain  the  courage  of  the  unbelievers:  for 
God  is  stronger  than  they,  and  more  able  to  \  unish.  lie  who  iiiter- 
cedeth  between  men  with  a  good  interccs.-ion  shall  have  a  portion 
thereof;  and  he  who  Interceded!  with  an  evil  inteice.-s-ion  shall  have 
a  portion  thereof;  for  God  overlooketh  ail  things.  When  ye  are 
saluted  with  a  salutation,  salute  the  person  with  a  Letter  salutation, 
>r  at  least  return  the  same;  for  God  taketh  an  account  of  all  things; 
God!  there  is  no  God  but  he;  he  will  surely  gather  you  together  on 
•he  day  of  resurrection;  there  is  no  doubt  of  it:  and  who  is  more  true 


AL  KORAN.  55 

than  God  in  what  he  saith?  Why  are  ye  divided  concerning  the  un- 
godly into  two  parties;  since  God  hath  overturned  them  for  what 
they  have  committed?  Will  ye  direct  him  whcji  God  hath  led 
astray ;  since  for  him  whom  God  shall  lead  astray,  thou  shall  find  no 
true  path?  They  desire  that  ye  should  become  infidels,  as  they  are 
intidels,  and  that  ye  should  be  equally  wicked  with  themselves. 
Therefore  take  not  friends  from  among  them,  until  they  fly  their 
country  for  the  religion  of  God ;  and  if  they  turn  back  from  the  faith, 
take  them,  and  kill  them  wherever  ye  find  them;  and  take  no  friend 
from  among  them,  nor  any  helper,  except  those  who  go  unto  a  people 
who  are  in  alliance  with  you,  or  those  who  come  unto  you,  their 
hearts  forbidding  them  either  to  fight  against  you,  or  to  fight  against 
their  own  people.  And  if  God  pleased  he  would  have  permitted 
them  to  have  prevailed  against  you,  and  they  would  have  fought 
against  you.  But  if  they  depart  from  you,  and  fight  not  against  you, 
and  offer  you  peace,  God  doth  not  allow  you  to  take  or  kill  them. 
Ye  shall  find  others  who  are  desirous  to  enter  into  a  confidence  with 
you,  and  at  the  same  time  to  preserve  a  confidence  with  their  own 
people :  so  often  as  they  return  to  sedition,  they  shall  be  subverted 
therein ;  and  if  they  depart  not  from  you,  and  offer  you  peace,  and 
restrain  their  hands  from  warring  against  you,  take  them  and  kill 
them  wheresoever  ye  find  them ;  over  these  have  we  granted  you  a 
manifest  power.  It  is  not  lawful  for  a  believer  to  kill  a  believer, 
unless  it  happen  by  mistake;  and  whoso  killeth  a  believer  by  mis- 
take, the  penalty  shall  be  the  freeing  of  a  believer  from  slavery,  and 
a  fine  to  be  paid  to  the  family  of  the  deceased,  unless  they  remit  it 
us  alms:  and  if  the  slain  person  be  of  a  people  at  enmity  with  you, 
and  be  a  true  believer,  the  penalty  shall  be  the  freeing  of  a  believer; 
but  if  lie  be  of  a  people  in  confederacy  with  you,  a  fine  to  be  paid  to 
his  family,  and  the  freeing  of  a  believer.  And  he  who  findeth  not 
wherewith  to  do  this,  shall  fast  two  months  consecutively,  as  a  pen- 
ance enjoined  from  God;  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  But  whoso 
killeth  a  believer  designedly,  his  reward  shall  be  hell;  he  shall  remain 
therein  for  ever;  and  God  shall  be  angry  with  him,  and  shall  curse 
him.  and  shall  prepare  for  him  a  great  punishment.  O  true  believers, 
when  ye  are  on  a  march  in  defence  of  the  true  religion,  justly  discern 
such  as  ye  shall  happen  to  meet,  and  say  not  unto  him  who  saluteth 
you,  Thou  art  not  a  true  believer;  seeking  the  accidental  goods  of 
the  present  life ;  for  with  God  is  much  spoil.  Such  have  ye  formerly 
been;  but  God  hath  been  gracious  unto  you;  therefore  make  a  just 
discernment,  for  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that  which  ye  do. 
Those  believers  who  sit  still  at  home,  not  having  any  hurt,  and  those 
who  employ  their  fortunes  and  their  persons  for  the  religion  of  God, 
shall  not  be  held  equal.  God  hath  preferred  those  who  employ  their 
fortunes  and  their  persons  in  that  cause,  to  a  degree  of  honour  above 
those  who  sit  at  home :  God  hath  indeed  promised  everyone  para- 
dise, but  God  hath  preferred  those  who  fight  for  the  laith  before 


otf  AL  KORAN. 

those  "who  sit  still,  by  adding  unto  them  a  great  reward,  by  degrees 
of  honour  conferred  on  them  from  him,  and  by  granting  them  for- 
giveness and  mercy;  for  God  is  indulgent  and  merciful.  Moreover 
unto  those  whom  the  angels  put  to  death,  having  injured  their  own 
souls,  the  angels  said,  Of  what  religion  were  ye?  they  answered,  We 
were  weak  in  the  earth.  The  angels  replied,  Was  not  God's  earth 
wide  enough,  that  ye  might  fly  therein  to  a  place  of  refuge?  There- 
fore their  habitation  shall  be  hell ;  and  an  evil  journey  shall  it  be 
thither:  except  the  weak  among  men,  and  women,  and  children,  who 
were  not  able  to  find  means,  and  were  not  directed  in  the  way;  these 
peradventure  God  will  pardon,  for  God  is  ready  to  forgive  and  gra- 
cious. Whosoever  flieth  from  his  country  for  the  sake  of  God's  true 
religion,  shall  find  in  the  earth  many  forced  to  do  the  same,  and 
plenty  of  provisions.  And  whoever  departeth  from  his  house,  and 
flieth  unto  God  and  his  apostle,  if  death  overtake  him  in  the  way, 
God  will  be  obliged  to  reward  him,  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful. 
When  ye  march  to  war  in  the  earth,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  you  if  ye 
shorten  your  prayers,  in  case  ye  fear  the  infidels  may  attack  you:  for 
the  infidels  are  your  open  enemy.  But  when  thou,  O  prophet,  shall 
be  among  them,  and  shall  pray  with  them,  let  a  party  of  them  arise 
to  prayer  with  thee,  and  let  them  take  their  arms;  and  when  they 
shall  have  worshipped,  let  them  stand  behind  you,  and  let  another 
party  come  that  hath  not  prayed,  and  Jet  them  pray  with  thee,  and 
let  them  be  cautious  and  take  their  arms.  The  unbelievers  would 
that  ye  should  neglect  your  arms  and  your  beggage  while  ye  pray, 
thai  they  might  turn  upon  you  at  once.  It  shall  be  no  crime  in  you, 
if  ye  be  incommoded  by  rain,  or  be  sick,  thai  ye  lay  down  your 
arms ;  but  take  your  necessary  precaution :  God  hath  prepared  for  the 
unbelievers  an  ignominious  punishment  And  when  ye  shall  have 
ended  your  prayer,  remember  God,  standing,  and  sitting,  and  lying 
on  your  sides.  But  when  ye  are  secure  from  danger,  complete  your 
prayers;  for  prayer  is  commanded  the  faithful,  and  appointed  to  be 
said  at  the  slated  limes.  Be  not  negligent  in  seeking  out  the  unbe- 
lieving people,  though  ye  suffer  some  inconvenience;  for  they  also 
shall  suffer,  as  ye  suffer,  and  ye  hope  for  a  reward  from  God  which 
they  cannot  hope  for;  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  We  have  sent 
down  unlo  Ihee  the  book  of  the  KorSn  with  truth,  that  thou  mayest 
fudge  between  men  through  that  wisdom  which  God  showeth  thee 
therein;  and  be  not  an  advocate  for  the  fraudulent:  but  ask  pardon 
of  God  for  thy  wrong  intention,  since  God  is  indulgent  and  merci- 
ful. Dispute  nol  for  those  who  deceive  one  another,  for  God  loveth 
not  him  who  is  a  deceiver  or  unjust.  Such  conceal  themselves  from 
men,  but  they  conceal  not  themselves  from  God;  for  he  is  with  them 
when  they  imagine  by  night  a  saying  which  pleaseth  him  not,  and 
God  comprehendeth  what  Ihey  do.  Behold,  ye  arc  the}'  vln  hive 
disputed  for  them  in  Ihis  present  life;  but  who  shall  dispute  with 
God  for  them  on  Ihe  d$y  of  resurrection,  or  who  wil]  become  the:r 


AL  KORAN*.  S? 

patron?  yet  he  who  doth  evil,  or  injureth  his  own  soul,  and  after- 
wards asketh  pardon  of  God,  shall  find  God  gracious  and  merciful. 
|  Whoso  committeth  wickedness,  committeth  it  against  his  own  soul: 
God  is  knowing  and  wise.  And  whoso  committeth  a  sin  or  iniquity, 
and  afterwards  layeth  it  on  the  innocent,  he  shall  surely  bear  the  guilt 
of  calumny  and  manifest  injustice.  If  the  indulgence  and  mercy  of 
God  had  not  been  upon  thee,  surely  a  part  of  them  had  studied 
to  seduce  thee;  but  they  shall  seduce  themselves  only,  and  shall 
not  hurt  thee  at  all.  God  hath  sent  down  unto  thee  the  book  of  the 
Koran  and  wisdom,  and  hath  taught  thee  that  which  thou  knewest 
not;  for  the  favour  of  God  hath  been  great  towards  thee.  There  is 
no  good  in  the  multitude  of  their  private  discourses,  unless  in  the  dis- 
course of  him  who  recommendeth  alms,  or  that  which  is  right,  or  agree- 
ment amongst  men ;  whoever  doth  this  out  of  a  desire  to  please  God, 
we  will  surely  give  him  a  great  reward.  But  whoso  separateth  him- 
self from  the  apostle,  after  true  direction  hath  been  manifested  unto 
him,  and  followeth  any  other  way  than  that  of  the  true  believers,  we 
will  cause  him  to  obtain  that  to  which  he  is  inclined,  and  will  cast 
him  to  be  burned  in  hell :  and  an  unhappy  journey  shall  it  be  thither. 
Verily  God  will  not  pardon  the  giving  him  a  companion,  but  he  will 
pardon  any  crime  besides  that,  unto  whom  he  pleaseth:  and  he  who 
giveth  a  companion  unto  God,  is  surely  led  aside  into  a  wide  mistake: 
the  infidels  invoke  beside  him  only  female  deities,  and  only  invoke 
rebellious  Satan.  God  cursed  him;  and  he  said,  Verily  I  will  take  of 
thy  servants  a  part  out  off  from  the  rest,  and  I  will  seduce  them,  and 
will  insinuate  vain  desires  into  them,  and  I  will  command  them,  and 
they  shall  cut  off  the  ears  of  cattle;  and  I  will  command  them,  and 
they  shall  change  God's  creature.  But  whosoever  taketh  Satan  for 
his  patron,  besides  God,  shall  surely  perish  with  a  manifest  destruc- 
tion. He  maketh  them  promises,  and  insinuateth  into  them  vain  de- 
sires; yet  Satan  maketh  them  only  deceitful  promises.  The  recepta- 
cle of  these  shall  be  hell,  they  shall  find  no  refuge  from  it.  But  they 
who  believe,  and  do  good  works,  we  will  surely  lead  them  into  gar- 
dens, through  which  rivers  flow;  they  shall  continue  therein  for  ever, 
according  to  the  true  promise  of  God;  and  who  is  more  true  than 
God  in  what  he  saith?  It  shall  not  be  according  to  your  desires,  nor 
according  to  the  desires  of  those  who  have  received  the  scripturea 
Whoso  doth  evil,  shall  be  rewarded  for  it;  and  shall  not  find  any  pat- 
ron or  helper,  beside  God;  but  whoso  doth  good  works,  whether  he 
be  male  or  female,  and  is  a  true  believer,  they  shall  be  admitted  into 
paradise,  and  shall  not  in-  the  least  be  unjustly  dealt  with.  Who  is 
better  in  point  of  religion  than  lie  who  resiirneth  himself  unto  God, 
and  is  a  worker  of  righteousness,  and  followeth  the  law  of  Abraham 
the  orthodox?  since  God  took  Abraham  for  his  friend:  and  to  God 
belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth;  God  comprehendeth 
all  things.  They  will  consult  thee  corncerning  women;  Answer, 
God  instructeth  you  concerning  them,  and  that  which  is  read  unto 


58  AL  KORAK. 

you  in  the  book  of  the  Koran  concerning  female  orphans,  to  whom 
ye  give  not  that  which  is  ordained  them,  neither  will  ye  marry  them, 
and  concerning  weak  infants,  and  that  ye  observe  justice  towards 
orphans :  whatever  good  ye  do,  God  knoweth  it.  If  a  wToman  fear  ill 
usage,  or  aversion,  from  her  husband,  it  shall  be  no  crime  in  them  if 
they  agree  the  matter  amicably  between  themselves;  for  a  recon- 
ciliation is  better  than  a  separation.  Men's  souls  are  naturally  inclin 
ed  to  covetousness :  but  if  ye  be  kind  towards  women,  and  fear  to 
wrong  them,  God  is  well  acquainted  with  what  ye  do.  Ye  can  by 
no  means  carry  yourselves  equally  between  women  in  all  respects, 
although  ye  study  to  do  it;  therefore  turn  not  from  a  w7ife  with  all 
manner  of  aversion,  nor  leave  her  like  one  in  suspense :  if  ye  agree, 
and  fear  to  abuse  your  wives,  God  is  gracious  and  merciful ;  but  if 
they  separate,  God  will  satisfy  them  both  of  his  abundance;  for  God 
is  extensive  and  wise,  and  unto  God  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heav- 
en and  on  earth.  We  have  already  commanded  those  unto  whom  the 
scriptures  were  given  before  you,  and  we  command  you  also,  saying, 
Fear  God ;  but  if  ye  disbelieve,  unto  God  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in 
heaven  and  on  earth;  and  God  is  self-sufficient,  and  to  be  praised; 
for  unto  God  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  and  God 
is  a  sufficient  protector.  If  he  pleaseth  he  will  take  you  away,  O  men, 
and  will  produce  others  in  your  stead ;  for  God  is  able  to  do  this. 
Whoso  desireth  the  reward  of  this  world,  verily  with  God  is  the  reward 
of  this  world,  and  also  of  that  which  is  to  come  ;  God  both  heareth 
and  seeth.  O  true  believers,  observe  justice  when  ye  bear  witness 
before  God,  although  it  be  against  yourselves,  or  your  parents,  or 
relations  ;  whether  the  party  be  rich,  or  whether  he  be  poor  ;  for  God 
is  more  worthy  than  them  both  :  therefore  follow  not  your  own  lust 
in  bearing  testimony,  so  that  ye  swerve  from  justice.  And  whether 
ye  wrest  your  evidence,  or  decline  giving  it,  God  is  well  acquainted 
with  that  which  ye  do.  O  true  believers,  believe  in  God,  and  his 
apostle,  and  the  book  which  he  hath  caused  to  descend  unto  his  apos- 
tle, and  the  book  which  he  hath  formerly  sent  down.  And  whoso 
ever  believeth  not  in  God,  and  his  angels,  and  his  scriptures,  and  hia 
apostles,  and  the  last  day,  he  surely  erreth  in  a  wide  mistake.  ^lore- 
over,  they  who  believed,  and  afterwards  became  intidels,  and  then 
believed  again,  and  after  that  disbelieved,  and  increased  in  infidelity, 
God  will  by  no  means  forgive  them,  nor  direct  them  into  the  rigLt 
way.  Declare  unto  the  ungodly  that  l\\cj  shall  suffer  a  painful 
punishment.  They  who  take  the  unbelievers  for  their  protectors, 
besides  the  faithful,  do  they  seek  lor  power  with  them  '!  since  all 
power  belongeth  unto  God.  And  he  hath  already  revealed  unto  you, 
in  the  book  of  the  Koran,  the  following  passage:  When  ye  shall 
hear  the  signs  of  God,  they  shall  not  be  believed,  but  they  shall  be 
laughed  to  scorn.  Therefore  sit  not  with  them  who  believe  not, 
until  they  engage  in  different  discourse  ;  for  if  ye  do,  ye  will  cer* 
tainly  become  like  unto  them.  God  will  surely  gather  the  ungodly 


AL  KORAN.  59 

and  the  unbelievers  together  in  hell.  They  who  wait  to  observe  what 
befalleth  you,  if  victon"  be  granted  you  from  God,  say,  Were  we  not 
with  you  ?  But  if  any  advantage  happen  to  the  infidels,  they  say 
unto  them,  Were  we  not  superior  to  you,  and  have  we  not  defended 
you  against  the  believers  ?  God  shall  judge  between  you  on  the  day 
of  resurrection  ;  and  God  will  not  grant  the  unbelievers  means  to 
prevail  over  the  faithful.  The  hypocrites  act  deceitfully  with  God, 
but  he  will  deceive  them  ;  and  when  they  stand  up  to  pray,  they 
stand  carelessly,  affecting  to  be  seen  of  men,  and  remember  not  God, 
unless  a  little,  wavering  between  faith  and  infidelity,  and  adhering 
neither  unto  these  nor  unto  those:  and  for  him  whom  God  shall 
lead  astray,  thou  shalt  find  no  true  path.  O  true  believers,  take  not 
the  unbelievers  for  your  protectors,  besides  the  faithful.  "Will  ye 
furnish  God  with  an  evident  argument  of  impiety  against  you  ? 
Moreover  the  hypocrites  shall  be  in  the  lowest  bottom  of  hell  fire, 
and  thou  shalt  not  find  any  to  help  them  thence.  But  they  who 
repent  and  amend,  and  adhere  firmly  unto  God,  and  approve  the  sin- 
cerity of  their  religion  to  God,  they  shall  be  numbered  with  the  faith- 
lul  ;"and  God  will  surely  give  the  faithful  a  great  reward.  And  how 
should  God  go  about  to  punish  you,  if  ye  be  thankful  and  believe? 
for  God  is  grateful  and  wise.  (Vl.)  God  loveth  not  the  speaking  ill 
of  any  one  in  public,  unless  he  who  is  injured  call  for  assistance; 
and  God  heareth  and  knoweth  :  whether  ye  publish  a  good  action,  or 
conceal  it,  or  forgive  evil,  verily  God  is  gracious  and  powerful. 
They  who  believe  not  in  God  and  his  apostles,  and  would  make  a 
distinction  between  God  and  his  apostles,  and  say,  We  believe  in 
some  of  the  prophets,  and  reject  others  of  them,  and  seek  to  take  a 
middle  way  in  this  matter;  these  are  really  unbelievers,  and  we 
have  prepared  for  the  unbelievers  an  ignominious  punishment.  But 
they  who  believe  in  God  and  his  apostles,  and  make  no  distinction 
between  any  of  them,  unto  those  will  we  surely  give  their  reward  ; 
and  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  They  who  have  received  the 
scriptures  will  demand  of  thee,  that  thou  cause  a  book  to  descend 
unto  them  from  heaven  :  they  formerly  asked  of  Moses  a  greater 
thing  than  this  ;  for  they  said,  Show  us  God  visibly.  Wherefore  a 
storm  of  fire  from  heaven  destroyed  them,  because  of  their  iniquity. 
Then  they  took  the  calf  for  their  God  after  that  evident  proofs  of 
the  divine  unity  had  come  unto  them:  but  we  forgave  them  that, 
and  gave  Moses  "a  manifest  power  to  punish  them.  And  we  lifted  the 
mountain  of  Sinai  over  them,  when  we  exacted  from  them  their  cove- 
nant ;  and  said  unto  them,  Enter  ihc  gate  of  the  city  worshipping. 
We  also  said  unto  them,  Transgress  not  on  the  sabbath  day.  And 
we  received  from  them  a  linn  convenant  that  they  would  observe 
these  things.  Therefore  for  that  they  have  made  void  their  cove- 
nant, and  have  not  believed  in  the  signs  of  God,  and  have  slain 
the  prophets  unjustly,  and  have  said.  Our  hearts  are  uncir- 
cumcised  (but  God  hath  sealed  them  up,  because  of  their  unbelief; 


60  AL  KORAN. 

therefore  they  shall  not  believe,  except  a  few  of  them):  and  for  that 
they  have  not  believed  on  Jesus,  and  have  spoken  against  Mary  a  griev- 
ious  calumny;  and  have  said,  Verily  we  have  slain  Christ  Jesus  the 
son  of  Mary,  the  apostle  of  God ;  yet  they  slew  him  not,  neither  crucified 
him,  but  he  WHS  represented  by  one  in  his  likeness  ;  and  verily  they 
who  disagreed  concerning  him,  were  in  a  doubt  as  to  this  matter,  and 
had  no  sure  knowledge  thereof,  but  followed  only  on  uncertain 
opinion.  They  did  not  really  kill  him;  but  God  took  him  up  unto 
himself:  and  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  And  there  shall  not  be  one  of 
those  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  who  shall  not  believe  in  him, 
before  his  death;  and  on  the  day  of  resurrection  he  shall  be  a  wiiness 
against  them.  Because  of  the  iniquity  of  those  who  Judaize,  we  have 
forbidden  them  good  things,  which  had  been  formerly  allowed  them; 
and  because  they  shut  out  many  from  the  way  of  God,  and  have  given 
usury,  which  was  forbidden  them  by  the  law,  and  devoured  men's 
substance  vainly :  we  have  prepared  for  such  of  them  as  are  unbe- 
lievers a  painful  punishment.  But  those  among  them  wiio  are  well 
grounded  in  knowledge,  and  the  faithful,  who  believe  in  that  which 
hath  been  sent  down  unto  thee,  and  that  which  hath  been  sent  down 
unto  the  prophets  before  thee,  and  who  observe  the  stated  times  of 
prayer,  and  give  alms,  and  believe  in  God  and  the  last  day;  unto 
these  will  we  give  a  great  reward.  Verily  we  have  revealed  our  will 
unto  thee,  as  we  have  revealed  it  unto  Noah  and  the  prophets  who 
succeeded  him;  and  as  we  revealed  it  unto  Abraham,  and  Ismael,  and 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  the  tribes,  and  unto  Jesus,  and  Job,  and  Jonas, 
and  Aaron  and  Solomon;  and  we  have  given  thee  the  Koran,  as  we 
gave  the  Psalms  unto  David;  some  apostles  have  we  sent,  whom  Avt 
have  formerly  mentioned  unto  thee:  and  other  apostles  have  we  sent, 
whom  we  have  not  mentioned  unto  thee;  and  God  spake  unto  Moses, 
discoursing  with  him;  apostles  declaring  good  tidings,  and  denounc- 
ing threats,  lest  men  should  have  an  argument  of  excuse  against  God, 
after  the  apostles  had  been  sent  unto  them;  God  is  mighty  and  wise. 
God  is  witness  of  that  revelation  which  he  hath  sent  down  unto  thee; 
he  sent  it  down  with  his  special  knowledge:  the  angels  also  are  wit- 
nesses thereof ;  but  God  is  a  sufficient  witness.  They  who  believe  not. 
and  turn  aside  others  from  the  way  of  God,  have  erred  in  a  wide 
mistake.  Verily  those  who  believe  not,  and  act  unjustly.  God  will  by 
no  means  forgive,  neither  will  he  direct  them  into  any  other  way  than 
the  way  of  hell;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever:  and  this  is  easy 
with  God.  O  men,  now  is  the  apostle  come  unto  you,  with  truth 
from  your  Lord ;  believe  therefore,  it  will  be  better  for  you.  But  if 
ye  disbelieve,  verily  unto  God  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and 
on  earth ;  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  O  ye  who  have  received  the 
scriptures,  exceed  not  the  just  bounds  in  your  religion,  neither  say  of 
God  any  other  than  the  truth.  Verily  Christ  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  is 
the  apostle  of  God,  and  his  Word,  which  he  conveyed  unto  Mary,  and 
a  spirit  proceeding  from  him.  Believe  therefore  in  God,  and  his 


AL  KORAN.  61 

apostles,  and  say  not,  There  are  three  Gods;  forbear  this;  it  will  be 
better  for  you.  God  is  but  one  God.  Far  be  it  from  him  that  he 
should  have  a  son!  unto  him  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and 
on  earth;  and  God  is  a  sufficient  protector.  Christ  doth  not  proudly 
disdain  to  be  a  servant  unto  God;  neither  the  angels  who  approach 
near  to  his  presence;  and  whoso  disdaineth  his  service,  and  is  puffed 
up  with  pride,  God  will  gather  them  all  to  himself,  on  the  last  day. 
Unto  those  who  believe,  and  do  thai  \viiicli  is  right,  he  shall  give  their 
rewards,  and  shall  superabundantly  add  unto  them  of  his  liberality; 
but  those  who  are  disdainful  and  proud,  he  \viil  punish  w:th  a  grievous 
punishment;  and  they  shall  not  find  any  to  protect  or  to  help  them, 
besides  God.  O  men,  now  is  an  evident  proof  come  unto  you  from 
your  Lord,  and  we  have  sent  down  unto  you  manifest  light.  They 
who  believe  in  God  and  firmly  adhere  to  him,  he  will  lead  them  into 
mercy  from  him,  and  abundance;  and  he  will  direct  them  in  the  right 
way 'to  himself.  They  will  consult  thee  for  thy  decision  in  certain 
eases;  say  unto  them,  God  giveth  you  these  determinations,  concern- 
ing the  more  remote  decrees  of  kindred.  If  a  man  die  without  issue, 
and  have  a  sister,  she  shall  have  the  half  of  what  he  shall  leave:  and 
he  shall  be  heir  to  her,  in  cast;  she  have  no  issue.  But  if  there  be 
two  sisters,  they  shall  have  between  them  two  third  parts  of  what  he 
shall  leave;  and  if  there  be  several,  both  brothers  and  sisters,  a  male 
shall  have  as  much  as  the  portion  of  two  females.  God declareth  unto 
you  these  precepts,  lest  ye  err :  and  God  kuoweth  all  things. 


CHAPTER  V. 

ENTITLED,    THE   TABLE;    REVEALED   AT   MEDINA. 
IJJ  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL,  GOD. 

O  TRUE  believers,  perform  youi  contracts.  Ye  are  allowed  to  eat 
the  brute  cattle,  other  than  what  yc  are  commanded  to  abstain  from; 
except  the  game  which  ye  are  allowed  at  other  times,  but  not  while 
ye  are  on  pilgrimage  to  Mecca;  God  ordaineth  that  which  he 
pleaseth.  O  true  believers,  violate  not  the  holy  rites  of  God,  nor  the 
sacred  month,  nor  the  offering,  nor  the  ornaments  hung  thereon,  nor 
those  who  are  travelling  to  the  holy  house,  seeking  favour  from  their 
Lord,  and  to  please  him.  But  when  ye  shall  have  finished  your  pil- 
grimage, then  hunt.  And  let  not  the  malice  of  some,  in  that  they 
hindered  you  from  entering  the  sacred  temple,  provoke  you  to  trans- 
gress, by  taking  revenge  on  them  in  the  sacred  months.  Assist  OIK; 
another  according  to  justice  and  piety,  but  assist  not  one  another  in 
injustice  and  malice:  therefore  fear  God;  for  God  is  severe  in  punish- 
ing. Ye  are  forbidden  to  eat  that  which  dieth  of  itself,  and  blood, 
and  swine's  flesh,  and  that  on  which  the  name  of  any  besides  God 
hath  been  iuvocated;  and  that  which  hath  been  strangled,  or  killed 


62  AL  KORAN. 

by  a  blow,  or  by  a  fall,  or  by  the  horns  of  another  beast,  and  that 
which  hath  been  eaten  by  a  wild  beast,  except  what  ye  shall  kill 
yourselves;  and  that  which  hath  been  sacrificed  unto  idols.  It  is 
likewise  unlawful  for  you  to  make  division  by  casting  lots  with  ar- 
rows. This  is  an  impiety.  On  this  day,  woe  be  unto  those  who  have 
apostatized  from  their  religion;  therefore  fear  not  them,  but  fear  me. 
This  day  have  I  perfected  your  religion  for  you,  and  have  completed 
my  mere}'  upon  you ;  and  I  have  chosen  for  you  Islam,  to  be  your  re- 
ligion. But  whosoever  shall  be  driven  by  necessity  through  hungei 
to  eat  of  what  we  have  forbidden,  not  designing  to  sin,  surely  God 
will  be  indulgent  and  merciful  unto  him.  They  will  ask  thee  what 
is  allowed  them  as  lawful  to  eat?  Answer,  Such  things  as  are  good 
are  allowed  you;  and  what  ye  shall  teach  animals  of  prey  to  catch, 
training  them  up  for  hunting  after  the  manner  of  dogs,  and  teaching 
them  according  to  the  skill  which  God  hath  taught  you.  Eat  there 
fore  of  that  which  they  shall  catch  for  you;  and  commemorate  the 
name  of  God  thereon ;  and  fear  God,  for  God  is  swift  in  taking  an  ac- 
count. This  day  are  ye  allowed  to  eat  such  things  as  are  good,  and 
the  food  of  those  to  whom  the  scriptures  were  given  is  also  allowed 
as  lawful  unto  you;  and  your  food  is  allowed  as  lawful  unto  them. 
And  ye  are  also  allowed  to  marry  free  women  that  are  believers,  and 
also  free  women  of  those  who  have  received  the  scriptures  before 
you,  when  ye  shall  have  assigned  them  their  dower;  living  chastely 
with  them,  neither  committing  fornication,  nor  taking  them  for  con- 
cubines. Whoever  shall  renounce  the  faith,  his  work  shall  be  vain, 
and  in  the  next  life  he  shall  be  of  those  who  perish.  O  true  believers, 
when  ye  prepare  yourselves  to  pray,  wash  your  faces,  and  your 
hands  unto  the  elbows;  and  rub  your  heads,  and  your  feet  unto  the 
ankles;  and  if  ye  be  polluted  by  having  lain  with  a  woman,  wash 
yourselves  all  over.  But  if  ye  be  sick,  or  on  a  journey,  or  any  of 
you  cometh  from  the  privy,  or  if  ye  have  touched  women,  and  ye  find 
no  water,  take  fine  clean  sand,  and  rub  your  faces  and  your  hands 
therewith;  God  would  not  put  a  difficulty  upon  you;  but  he  desireth 
to  purify  you,  and  to  complete  his  favour  upon  you,  that  ye  may 
give  thanks.  Remember  the  favour  of  God  towards  you.  and  his 
covenant  which  he  hath  made  with  you,  when  ye  said,  "We  have 
heard,  and  will  obey.  Therefore  fear  God,  for  God  knoweth 
the  innermost  parts  of  the  breasts  of  men.  O  true  believers,  observe 
justice  when  ye  appear  as  witnesses  before  God,  and  let  not 
hatred  towards  any  induce  you  to  do  wrong:  but  act  justly; 
this  will  approach  nearer  unto  piety;  and  fear  God,  for  God  is 
fully  acquainted  with  what  ye  do.  God  hath  promised  unto  those 
who  believe,  and  do  that  which  is  right,  that  they  shall  receive  par- 
don and  a  great  reward.  But  they  who  believe  not,  and  accuse  our 
signs  of  falsehood,  they  shall  be  "the  companions  of  hell.  O  true 
believers,  remember  God's  favour  towards  you,  when  certain 
men  designed  to  stretch  forth  their  hands  againp*  you,  but  he  re- 


AL  KORAN.  63 

strained  their  hands  from  hurting  you;  therefore  fear  God,  and  in 
God  let  the  faithful  trust.  God  formerly  accepted  the  covenant  of 
the  children  of  Israel,  and  we  appointed  out  of  them  twelve  leaders: 
and  God  said,  Verily,  I  am  with  you:  if  ye  observe  prayer,  and  give 
alms,  and  believe  in  my  apostles,  and  assist  them,  and  lend  unto  God 
on  good  usury,  I  will  surely  expiate  your  evil  deeds  from  you,  and  I 
will  lead  you  into  gardens,  wherein  rivers  flow :  but  he  among  you 
who  disbelieveth  after  this,  erreth  from  the  straight  path.  Where- 
fore because  they  have  broken  their  covenant,  we  have  cursed  them, 
and  hardened  their  hearts;  they  dislocate  the  words  of  the  Penta- 
teuch from  their  places,  and  have  forgotten  part  of  what  they  were 
admonished;  and  thou  wilt  not  cease~to  discover  deceitful  practises 
among  them,  except  a  few  of  them.  But  forgive  them,  and  pardon 
them,  for  God  loveth  the  beneficent.  And  from  those  who  say,  We 
are  Christians,  we  have  received  their  covenant;  but  they  have  for- 
gotten part  of  what  they  were  admonished;  wherefore  we  have  raised 
up  enmity  and  hatred  among  them,  till  the  day  of  resurrection ;  and 
God  will  then  surely  declare  unto  them  what  they  have  been  doing. 
O  ye  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  now  is  our  apostle  come  unto 
you,  to  make  manifest  unto  you  many  things  which  ye  concealed  in 
the  scriptures;  and  to  pass  over  many  things.  Now  is  light  and  a 
perspicuous  book  of  revelations  come  unto  you  from  God.  Thereby 
will  God  direct  him  who  shall  follow  his  good  pleasure,  into  the 
paths  of  peace;  and  shall  lead  them  out  of  darkness  into  light,  by  hia 
will,  and  shall  direct  them  in  the  right  way.  They  are  infidels,  who 
say,  Verily  God  is  Christ  the  son  of  Mary.  *  Say  unto  them,  And  who 
could  obtain  anything  from  God  to  the  contrary,  if  he  pleased  to  de- 
stroy Christ  the  son  of  Mary,  and  his  mother,  and  all  those  who  are 
on  the  earth?  For  unto  God  belongeth  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  whatsoever  is  contained  between  them ;  he  createth  what 
he  pleaseth,  and  God  is  almighty.  The  Jews  and  the  Christians  say, 
We  are  the  children  of  God,  and  his  beloved.  Answer,  Why  there- 
fore doth  he  punish  you  for  your  sins?  Nay.  but  ye  are  men,  of 
those  whom  he  hath  created.  He  forgiveth  whom  he  pleaseth,  and 
punisheth  whom  he  pleaseth ;  and  unto  God  belongeth  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  and  earth,  and  of  what  is  contained  between  them  both;  and 
unto  him  shall  all  things  return.  O  ye  who  have  received  the  scrip- 
tures, now  is  our  apostle  come  unto  you,  declaring  unto  you  the  true 
religion,  during  the  cessation  of  apostles,  lot  ye"  should  say,  There 
came  unto  us  no  bearer  of  good  tidings,  nor  any  Warner:  but  now  is 
a  bearer  of  good  tidings  and  a  warner  come  unto  you;  and  God  is 
almighty.  Call  to  mind  when  Moses  said  unto  his  people,  O  my 
people,  remember  the  favour  of  God  towards  you,  since  he  hath 
appointed  prophets  among  you,  and  constituted  you  kings,  and  be- 
stowed on  you  what  he  hath  given  to  no  other  nation  in  the  world. 
O  my  people,  enter  the  holy  land,  which  God  hath  decreed  vou,  and 
turn  not  your  backs,  lest  ye  be  subverted  and  perish.  They  an- 


64  AL  KORAN. 

swered,  O  Moses,  verily  there  are  a  gigantic  people  in  the  land;  and 
we  will  by  no  means  enter  it,  until  they  depart  thence;  but  if  they 
depart  thence,  then  will  we  enter  therein.  And  two  men  of  those 
who  feared  God,  unto  whom  God  had  been  gracious,  said,  Enter  ye 
upon  them  suddenly  by  the  gate  of  the  city;  and  when  ye  shall  have 
entered  the  same,  ye  shall  surely  be  victorious:  therefore  trust  in 
God,  if  ye  are  true  believers.  They  replied,  O  Moses,  we  will  never 
enter  the  land,  while  they  remain  therein:  go  therefore  thou,  and  thy 
Lord,  and  fight;  for  we  will  sit  here.  Moses  said,  O  Lord,  surely  I 
am  not  master  of  any  except  myself,  and  my  brother;  therefore  make 
n  distinction  betwee'n  us  and  the  ungodly*  people.  God  answered, 
Verily  the  land  shall  be  forbidden  them  forty  years :  during  which 
time  they  shall  wander  like  men  astonished  in  the  earth ;  therefore  l>e 
not  thou  solicitous  for  the  ungodly  people.  Relate  also  unto  them  the 
history  of  the  two  sons  of  Adam,  with  truth.  When  they  offered  their 
offering,  and  it  was  accepted  from  one  of  them,  and  was  not  accepted 
from  the  other,  Cain  said  to  his  brother,  I  will  certainly  kill  thee. 
Abe?  answered,  God  only  accepteth  the  offering  of  the  pious  ;  if  thou 
stretchest  forth  thy  hand  against  me,  to  slay  me,  I  will  not  stretch 
forth  my  hand  against  thee,  to  slay  thee  ;  for  I  fear  God  the  Lord  of 
all  creatures.  I  choose  that  thou  shouldest  bear  my  iniquity  and 
thine  own  iniquity  ;  and  that  thou  become  a  companion  of  hell  fire; 
for  that  is  the  reward  of  the  unjust.  But  his  soul  suffered  him  to 
slay  his  brother,  and  he  slew  him ;  w  herefore  he  became  of  the  num- 
ber of  those  who  perish.  And  God  sent  a  raven,  which  scratched 
the  earth,  to  show  him  how  he  should  hide  the  shame  of  his  brother, 
and  he  said,  Woe  is  me  !  am  I  unable  to  be  like  this  raven,  that  I 
may  hide  my  brother's  shame  ?  and  he  became  one  of  those  who 
repent.  Wherefore  we  commanded  the  children  of  Israel,  that 
he  who  slayeth  a  soul,  without  having  slain  a  soul,  or  committed 
wickedness  in  the  earth,  shall  be  as  if  he  had  slain  all  mankind  :  but 
he  who  saveth  a  soul  alive,  shall  be  as  if  he  had  saved  the  lives  of  all 
mankind.  Our  apostles  formerly  came  unto  them  with  evident  mira- 
cles ;  then  were  many  of  them,  after  this,  transgressors  on  the  earth. 
But  the  recompense  of  those  who  fight  against  God  and  his  apostles, 
and  study  to  act  corruptly  in  the  earth,  shall  be  that  they  shall 
be  slain,  or  crucified,  or  have  their  hands  and  their  feet  cut  off  on 
the  opposite  sides,  or  be  banished  the  land.  This  shall  be  their  dis- 
grace in  this  world,  and  in  the  next  world  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous 
punishment;  except  those  who  shall  repent,  before  ye  prevail  against 
them;  for  know  that  God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  merciful.  O 
true  believers,  fear  God,  and  earnestly  desire  a  near  conjunction  with 
him,  and  fight  for  his  religion,  that  ye  may  be  happy.  Moreover 
they  who  believe  not,  although  the}'  had  whatever  is  in  the  earth, 
and  as  much  more  withal,  that  they  might  therewith  redeem  them- 
selves from  punishment  on  the  day  of  resurrection  :  it  shall  not  Ix.- 
accepted  from  them,  but  they  shall  suffer  a  painful  punishment. 


AL  KORAN.  65 

They  shall  desire  to  go  forth  from  the  fire,  but  they  shall  not  go  forth 
from  it,  and  their  punishment  shall  be  permanent.  If  a  man  or  a 
woman  steal,  cut  off  their  hands,  in  retribution  for  that  which  they 
have  committed;  this  is  an  exemplary  punishment  appointed  by  God; 
and  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  But  whoever  shall  repent  after  his 
iniquity,  and  amend,  verily  God  will  be  turned  unto  him,  for  God 
is  inclined  to  forgive  and  merciful.  Dost  thou  not  know  that  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth  is  God's  ?  He  punisheth  whom  he 
pleaseth,  and  he  pardoneth  whom  he  pleaseth  ;  for  God  is  almighty. 
O  apostle,  let  not  them  grieve  thee,  who  hasten  to  infidelity,  either  of 
those  who  say,  We  believe,  with  their  mouths,  but  whose  hearts 
believe  not;  or  of  the  Jews,  who  hearken  to  a  lie,  and  hearken  to 
other  people  ;  who  come  not  unto  thee :  they  pervert  the  words  of 
the  law  from  their  true  places,  and  say,  If  this  be  brought  unto 
you,  receive  it;  but  if  it  be  not  brought  unto  you,  beware  of  re- 
ceiving aught  else;  and  in  behalf  of  him  whom  God  shall  resolve 
to  reduce,  thou  shalt  not  prevail  with  God  at  all.  They  whose 
hearts  God  shall  not  please  to  cleanse,  shall  suffer  shame  in  this 
world,  and  a  grievous  punishment  in  the  next:  who  hearken  to  a 
lie,  and  eat  that  which  is  forbidden.  But  if  they  come  unto  thee 
for  judgment,  either  judge  between  them,  or  leave  them;  and  if 
thou  leave  them,  they  shall  not  hurt  thee  at  all.  But  if  thou  un- 
dertake to  judge,  judge  between  them  with  equity:  for  God  loveth 
those  who  observe  justice.  And  how  will  they  submit  to  thy  de- 
cision, since  they  have  the  law,  containing  the  judgment  of  God? 
Then  will  they  turn  their  backs,  after  this;  but  those  are  not  true 
believers.  We  have  surely  sent  down  the  law,  containing  direction, 
and  light:  thereby  did  the  prophets,  who  professed  true  religion, 
judge  these  who.Iudaized;  and  the  doctors  and  priests  also  judged  by 
the  book  of  God,  which  had  been  committed  to  their  custody;  and 
they  were  witnesses  thereof.  Therefore  fear  not  men,  but  fear  me; 
neither  sell  my  signs  for  a  small  prijc.  And  whoso  judgeth  not  ac- 
cording to  what  God  hatfl  revealed,  they  are  infidels.  We  have  there- 
in commanded  them,  that  they  should  give  life  for  life,  and  eye  for 
eye,  and  nose  for  nose,  and  ear  for  ear,  and  tooth  for  tooth;  and  that 
wounds  should  also  be  punished  by  retaliation :  but  whoever  should 
remit  it  as  alms,  it  should  be  accepted  as  an  atonement  for  him.  And 
whoso  judgeth  not  according  to  what  God  hath  revealed,  they  are 
unjust.  We  also  caused  J^sus  the  son  of  Mary  to  follow  the  footsteps 
of  the  prophets,  confirming  the  law  which  was  sent  down  before 
him :  and  we  gave  him  the  gospel,  containing  direction  and  light ;  con- 
firming also  the  law  which  was  given  before  it,  and  a  direction  and 
admonition  unto  those  who  fear  God:  that  they  who  have  received 
the  gospel  might  judge  according  to  what  God  hath  revealed  therein: 
and  whoso  judgeth  not  according  to  what  God  hath  revealed,  thev  are 
transgressora  "We  have  also  sent  down  unto  thee  the  book  of  the 
Koran  vlth  truth,  confirming  that  scripture  which  was  revealed  be- 


66  AL  KORAN. 

fore  it;  and  preserving  the  same  safe  from  corruption.  Judge  there- 
fore between  them  according  to  that  which  God  hath  revealed;  and 
follow  not  their  desires,  by  swerving  from  the  truth  which  hath  come 
unto  thee.  Unto  every  of  you  have  we  given  a  law,  and  an  open 
path;  and  if  God  had  pleased,  he  had  surely  made  you  one  people; 
but  he  hath  thought  fit  to  give  you  different  laws,  that  he  might  try 
you  in  that  which  he  hath  given  you  respectively.  Therefore  strive 
to  excel  each  other  in  good  works:  unto  God  shall  ye  all  return,  and 
then  will  he  declare  unto  you  that  concerning  which  ye  have  dis 
agreed.  Wherefore  do  thou.  O  prophet,  judge  between  them  accord- 
ing to  that  which  God  hath  revealed,  and  follow  not  their  desires; 
but  beware  of  them,  lest  they  cause  thee  to  err  from  part  of  those  pre- 
cepts which  God  hath  sent  down  unto  thee;  and  if  they  turn  back, 
know  that  God  is  pleased  to  punish  them  for  some  of  their  crimes; 
for  a  great  number  of  men  are  transgressors.  Do  they  therefore 
desire  the  judgment  of  the  time  of  ignorance?  but  who  is  better  than 
God,  to  judge  between  people  who  reason  aright?  O  true  believers, 
take  not  the  Jews  or  Christians  for  your  friends;  they  are  friends  the 
one  to  the  other;  but  whoso  among  you  taketh  them  for  his  friends, 
he  is  surely  one  of  them:  verily  God  directeth  not  unjust  people. 
Thou  shalt  see  those  in  whose  hearts  there  is  an  infirmity,  to  hasten 
unto  them,  saying,  We  fear  lest  some  adversity  befall  us;  but  it  is 
easy  for  God  to  give  victory,  or  a  command  from  him,  that  they  may 
repent  of  that  which  they  concealed  in  their  minds.  And  they  who 
believe  will  say,  Are  these  the  men  who  have  sworn  by  God,  with  a 
most  firm  oath,  that  they  surely  held  with  you?  their  works  are  become 
vain,  and  they  are  of  those  who  perish.  O  true  believers,  whoever  of  you 
apostatizeth  from  his  religion,  God  will  certainly  bring  other  people  to 
supply  his  place,  whom  he  will  love,  and  who  will  love  him;  who  shall 
be  humble  towards  the  believers,  but  severe  to  the  unbelievers;  they 
shall  fight  for  the  religion  of  God,  and  shall  not  fear  the  obloquy  of 
the  detractor.  This  is  the  bounty  of  God,  he  bestoweth  it  on  whom  he 
pleaseth :  God  is  extensive  and  wise.  Verily  your  protector  is  God, 
and  his  apostle,  and  those  who  believe,  who  observe  the  stated  times 
of  prayer,  and  give  alms,  and  who  bow  down  to  worship.  And 
whose  taketh  God,  and  his  apostle,  and  the  believers  for  his  friends, 
they  are  the  party  of  God,  and  they  shall  be  victorious.  O  true  be- 
lievers, take  not  such  of  those  to  whom  the  scriptures  were  de- 
livered before  you,  or  of  the  infidels,  for  your  friends,  who  make  a 
laughing-stock  and  a  jest  of  your  religion ;  but  fear  God,  if  ye  be 
true  believers;  nor  those  who, "when  ye  call  to  prayer,  make  a  laugh- 
ing-stock and  a  jest  of  it;  this  they  do  because  they  are  people  who 
do  not  understand.  Say,  O  ye  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  do 
ye  reject  us  for  any  other  reason  than  because  we  believe  in  God,  and 
that  revelation  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  us,  and  that  which 
was  formerly  sent  down,  and  for  that  the  greater  part  of  you  are 
transgressors?  Say,  Shall  I  denounce  unto  you  a  worse  thing  than 


AL  KORAN.  «7 

this,  as  to  the  reward  which  ye  are  to  expect  with  God?  He  whom 
God  hath  cursed,  and  with  whom  he  hath  been  angry,  having 
changed  some  of  them  into  apes  and  swine,  and  who  worship  Tag- 
hut,  they  are  in  the  worse  condition,  and  err  more  widely  from  the 
gtraightness  of  the  path.  When  they  came  unto  you.  they  said,  We 
believe:  yet  they  entered  into  your  company  with  infidelity,  and  went 
forth  from  you  with  the  same;  hut  God  well  knew  what  they  con- 
cealed. Thou  shalt  see  many  of  them  hastening  unto  inquity  and 
malice,  and  to  eat  things  forbidden;  and  woe  unto  them  for  what 
they  have  done.  Unless  their  doctors  and  priests  forbid  them  utter- 
ing wickedness,  and  eating  things  forbidden;  woe  unto  them  for  what 
they  shall  have  committed.  The  Jews  say.  the  hand  of  God  is  tied 
up.  Their  hands  shall  be  tied  up,  and  they  shall  be  cursed  for  that 
which  they  have  said.  Xay,  his  hands  are  both  stretched  forth;  lie 
bestoweth  as  he  pleaseth:  that  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  thee 
from  thy  Lord,  shall  increase  the  transgression  and  infidelity  of  many 
of  them";  and  we  have  put  enmity  and  hatred  between  theni,  until  the 
day  of  resurrection.  So  often  as  they  shall  kindle  a  fire  for  war,  God 
shall  extinguish  it;  and  they  shall  set  their  minds  to  act  corruptly  in 
the  earth,  but  God  loveth  not  the  corrupt  doers.  Moreover,  if  they 
who  have  received  the  scriptures  believe,  and  fear  God,  we  will 
surely  expiate  their  sins  from  them,  and  we  will  lead  them  into  gar- 
dens of  pleasure;  and  if  the}' observe  the  law,  and  the  gospel,  and  the 
other  scriptures  which  have  been  sent  down  unto  them  from  their 
Lord,  they  shall  surely  eat  of  good  things  both  from  above  them  and 
from  under  their  feet.  Among  them  there  are  peeple  who  act  up- 
rightly; but  how  evil  is  that  which  many  of  them  do  work!  O 
apostle,  publish  the  whole  of  that  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto 
thee  from  thy  Lord:  for  if  thou  do  not,  thou  dost  not  in  effect 
publish  any  part  thereof;  and  God  will  defend  thee  against  wicked 
men;  for  God  directeth  not  the  unbelieving  people.  Say,  O  ye  who 
have  received  the  scriptures,  ye  are  not  grounded  on  anything,  until 
ye  observe  the  law  and  the  gospel,,  and  that  which  hath  been  sent 
down  unto  you  from  your  Lord.  That  which  hath  been  sent  down 
unto  thee  from  thy  Lord  shall  surely  increase  the  transgression  and 
infidelity  of  many  of  them:  but  be  not  thou  solicitous  for  the  unbe- 
lieving people.  Verily  they  who  believe,  and  those  who  Judaize, 
and  the  Sabians.  and  the  Christians,  whoever  of  them  believeth  in 
God  and  the  last  day,  and  doth  that  which  is  right,  there  shall  come 
no  fear  on  them,  neither  shall  they  be  grieved.  We  formerly  ac- 
cepted the  covenant  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  sent  apostles 
unto  them.  So  often  as  an  apostle  came  unto  them  with  that  which 
their  souls  desired  not,  they  accused  some  of  them  of  imposture, 
and  some  of  them  they  killed:  and  they  imagined  that  there  should 
be  no  punishment  for  those  crimes,  and  they  became  blind  and  deaf. 
Then  was  God  turned  unto  them;  afterwards  many  of  them  again 
became  blind  and  deaf;  but  God  saw  what  they  did.  They  arc  surely 


68  AL  KORAN. 

infidels,  who  say,  Verily  God  is  Christ  the  son  of  Mary;  since  Christ 
said,  O  children  of  Israel,  serve  God,  my  Lord  and  your  Lord;  who- 
ever shall  give  a  companion  unto  God,  God  shall  exclude  him  from 
paradise,  and  his  habitation  shall  be  hell  fire;  and  the  ungodly  shall 
have  none  to  help  them.  They  are  certainly  infidels,  who  say,  God  is 
the  third  of  three:  for  there  is" no  God  besides  one  God;  ana  if  they 
refrain  not  from  what  they  say,  a  painful  torment  shall  surely  be 
inflicted  on  such  of  them  as  are  unbelievers.  Will  they  not  therefore 
be  turned  unto  God,  and  ask  pardon  of  him?  since  God  is  gracious 
and  merciful.  Christ  the  son  of  Mary  is  no  more  than  an  apostle;, 
other  apostles  have  preceded  him;  and  his  mother  was  a  woman  oi 
veracity:  they  both  ate  food.  Behold,  how  we  declare  unto  them 
the  signs  of  God's  unity;  and  then  behold,  how  they  turn  aside  from 
the  truth.  Say  unto  them,  Will  ye  worship,  besides  God,  that  which 
can  cause  you  neither  harm  nor  profit?  God  is  he  who  heareth  and 
seeth.  Say,  O  ye  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  exceed  not  the 
just  bounds  in  your  religion,  by  speaking  beside  the  truth:  neither 
follow  the  desires  of  people  who  have  heretofore  erred,  and  who  have 
seduced  many,  and  have  gone  astray  from  the  strait  path.  Those 
among  the  children  of  Israel  who  believed  not,  were  cursed  by  the 
tongue  of  David,  and  of  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary.  This  befell  them 
because  they  were  rebellious  and  transgressed:  they  forbade  not  one 
another  the  wickedness  which  they  committed;  and  woe  unto  them 
for  what  they  committed.  Thou  shall  see  many  of  them  take  for 
their  friends  those  who  believe  not.  Woe  unto  them  for  what  their 
eouls  have  sent  before  them,  for  that  God  is  incensed  against  them. 
and  they  shall  remain  in  torment  for  ever.  But,  if  they  had  believed 
in  God.  and  the  prophet,  and  that  which  hath  been  'revealed  unto 
him,  they  hail  not  taken  them  for  their  friends:  but  many  of  them 
are  evil-doers.  Thou  shall  surely  find  the  most  violent  of  all  men  in 
enmity  against  the  true  believers,  lo  be  the  Jews  and  the  idolaters: 
and  thou  shalt  surely  find  those  among  them  to  be  the  most  inclina- 
ble to  entertain  friendship  for  the  true  believers,  who  say,  We  are 
Christians.  This  cometh  to  pass,  because  there  are  priests  and  monks 
among  them ;  and  because  they  are  not  elated  with  pride.  (VII.)  And 
when  they  hear  that  which  hath  been  sent  down  to  the  apostle  read 
unto  them,  thou  shall  see  their  eyes  overflow  with  tears,  because  of  the 
truth  which  Ihey  perceive  therein,  saying.  ()  Lord,  we  believe:  write 
us  down  therefore  with  those  who  bear  witness  to  the  truth:  and  what 
should  hinder  us  from  believing  in  God,  and  the  truth  which  hath 
come  unto  us,  and  from  earnestly  desiring  that  our  Lord  would  in- 
troduce us  into  paradise  with  the  righteous  people.  Therefore 
hath  God  rewarded  them,  for  what  they  have  said,  witli  gardens 
through  which  rivers  flow;  they  shall  continue  therein  for  ever; 
and  this  is  the  reward  of  the  righteous.  But  they  who  believe  not, 
and  accuse  our  signs  of  falsehood,  they  shall  be  the  companions  of 
hell.  O  true  believers,  forbid  not  the  good  Ihings  which  God  hath 


AL  KORAK  69 

allowed  you;  but  transgress  not,  for  God  loveth  not  the  trans- 
gressors. And  eat  of  what  God  hath  given  you  for  food  that  which 
is  lawful  and  good:  and  fear  God,  in  whom  ye  believe.  God  will 
not  punish  you  for  an  inconsiderate  word  in  your  oaths;  but  he  will 
punish  you  for  what  ye  solemnly  swear  with  deliberation.  And  the 
expiation  of  such  an  oath  shall  be  the  feeding  of  ten  poor  men  with 
such  moderate  food  as  ye  feed  your  own  families  withal;  or  to 
clothe  them;  or  to  free  the  neck  of  a  true  believer  from  captivity: 
but  he  who  shall  not  find  wherewith  to  perform  one  of  these  three 
things,  shall  fast  three  days.  This  is  the  expiation  of  your  oaths, 
.when  ye  swear  inadvertently.  Therefore  keep  your  oaths.  Thus 
God  declareth  unto  you  his  signs,  that  ye  may  give  thanks.  O  true 
believers,  surely  wine,  and  lots,  and  images,  and  divining  arrows,  are 
an  abomination  of  the  work  of  Satan;  therefore  avoid  them,  that 
ye  may  prosper.  Satan  seeketh  to  sow  dissension  and  hatred  among 
you,  by  means  of  wine  and  lots,  and  to  divert  you  from  remembering 
God,  and  from  prayer;  will  ye  not  therefore  abstain  from  them? 
OV.'v  God.  and  obey  the  apostle,  and  take  heed  to  yourselves;  but  if 
y<-  turn  back,  know  that  the  duty  of  our  apostle  is  only  to  preach  pub- 
iidy.  In  those  who  believe  and  do  good  works,  it  is  no  sin  that  they 
have  tasted  wine  or  gaming  before  they  were  forbidden;  if  they  fear 
God,  and  believe,  and  do  good  works,  and  shall  for  the  future  fear 
God.  and  believe,  and  shall  persevere  to  fear  him,  and  to  do  good;  for 
God  loveth  those  who  do  good.  O  true  believers,  God  will  surely  prove 
you  in  offering  you  plenty  of  game,  which  ye  may  take  with  your  hands 
or  your  lances,  that  God  may  know  who  feareth  him  in  secret,  but 
whoever  trausgresseth  after  this,  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment. 
O  true  believers,  kill  no  game  while  ye  are  on  pilgrimage;  whoso- 
ever among  you  shall  kill  any  designedly,  shall  restore  the  like  of 
what  ye  shall  have  killed,  in  domestic  animals,  according  to  the 
determination  of  two  just  persons  among  you,  to  be  brought  as  an 
oil ''ring  to  the  Caaba;  or  in  atonement  thereof  shall  feed  the  poor; 
or  instead  thereof  shall  fast,  that  he  may  taste  the  heinousness  of  his 
el  vd.  God  hath  forgiven  what  is  past,  but  whoever  returneth  to 
transgress.  God  will  take  vengeance  on  him;  for  God  is  mighty  and 
a!)  i-  to  avenge.  It  is  lawful  for  you  to  fish  in  the  sea,  and  to  eat 
what  ye  shall  catch,  as  a  provision  for  you  and  for  those  who  travel; 
but  it  is  unlawful  for  you  to  hunt  by  laud,  while  ye  are  performing 
the  rites  of  pilgrimage;  therefore  fear  God,  before  whom  ye  shall  be 
assembled  at  the  last  day.  God  hath  appointed  the  Caaba,  the  holy 
house,  an  establishment  for  mankind;  and  hath  ordained  the  sacred 
mouth,  and  the  offering,  and  the  ornaments  hung  thereon.  This 
hath  he  done  that  ye  might  kno\v  that  God  knoweth  whatsoever  is  in 
heaven  and  on  earth,  and  that  God  is  omniscient.  Know  that  God 
is  severe  in  punishing,  and  that  God  is  also  ready  to  forgive  and 
merciful.  The  duty  of  our  apostle  is  to  preach  only;  and  God 
knoweth  that  which  ye  discover,  and  that  which  ye  conceal.  Say, 


TO  AL  KORAN. 

Evil  and  good  shall  not  be  equally  esteemed  of,  though  the  abun- 
dance of  evil  pleaseth  thee ;  therefore  fear  God,  O  ye  of  understanding, 
that  ye  may  be  happy.  O  true  believers,  inquire  not  concerning 
things  which,  if  they  be  declared  unto  you,  may  give  you  pain :  but 
if  ye  ask  concerning  them  when  the  Koran  is  sent  down,  they  will 
be  declared  unto  you:  God  pardoneth  you  as  to  these  matters; 
for  God  is  ready  to  forgive  and  gracious.  People  who  have  been 
before  you  formerly  inquired  concerning  them;  and  afterwards  dis- 
believed therein.  God  hath  not  ordained  anything  concerning 
Bahira,  nor  Sa'fba,  nor  Wasila,  nor  Kami ;  but  the  unbelievers  have 
invented  a  lie  against  God:  and  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not 
understand.  And  when  it  was  said  unto  them,  Come  unto  that 
which  God  hath  revealed,  and  to  the  apostle ;  they  answered,  That 
religion  which  we  found  our  fathers  to  follow  is  sufficient  for  us. 
What  though  their  fathers  knew  nothing,  and  were  not  rightly  direct- 
ed? O  true  believers,  take  care  of  your  souls.  He  who  erreth  shall 
not  hurt  you,  while  ye  are  rightly  directed:  unto  God  shall  ye  all 
return,  and  he  will  tell  you  that  which  ye  have  done.  O  true  believ- 
ers, let  witnesses  be  taken  between  you,  when  death  approaches  any 
of  you,  at  the  time  of  making  the  testament;  let  there  be  two  wit- 
nesses, just  men,  from  among  you :  or  two  others  of  a  different  tribe 
or  faith  from  yourselves,  if  ye  be  journeying  in  the  earth,  and  the 
accident  of  death  befall  you.  Ye  shall  shut  them  both  up,  after  the 
afternoon  prayer,  and  they  shall  swear  by  God,  if  ye  doubt  them, 
and  they  shall  say.  We  will  not  sell  our  evidence  for  a  bribe,  although 
the  person  concerned  be  one  who  is  related  to  us,  neither  will  we 
conceal  the  testimony  of  God,  for  then  should  we  certainly  be  of  the 
number  of  the  wicked.  But  if  it  appear  that  both  have  been  guilty 
of  iniquity,  two  others  shall  stand  up  in  their  place,  of  those  who 
have  convicted  them  of  falsehood,  the  two  nearest  in  blood,  and  they 
shall  swear  by  God,  saying,  Verily  our  testimony  is  more  true  than 
the  testimony  of  these  two,  neither  have 'we  prevaricated;  for  then 
should  we  become  of  the  number  of  the  unjust.  This  will  be  easier, 
that  men  may  give  testimony  according  to  the  plain  intention  thereof, 
or  fear  lest  a  different  oath  be  given,  after  their  oath.  Therefore 
fear  God,  and  hearken ;  for  God  directeth  not  the  unjust  people.  On 
a  certain  day  shall  God  assemble  the  apostles,  and  shall  s-ay  unto 
them,  What  answer  was  returned  you,  when  ye  preached  unto  the 
people  to  whom  ye  were  sent?  They  shall  "answer,  We  have  no 
knowledge  but  thou  art  the  knowerof  secrets.  When  God  shall  say, 
O  Jesus  son  of  Mary,  remember  my  favour  towards  thee,  and  towards 
thy  mother;  when  1  strengthened  thee  with  the  holy  spirit,  that  thou 
shouldest  speak  unto  men  in  the  cradle,  and  when  thou  wast  giown 
up;  and  when  I  taught  thee  the  scripture,  and  wisdom,  and  the  law 
and  the  gospel;  and  when  thou  didst  create  of  clay  as  it  were  the 
figure  of  a  bird,  by  my  permission,  and  didst  breathe  thereon,  and  it 
became  a  bird  by  my  permission;  and  thou  didst  heal  one  blind  from 


AL  KORAN.  71 

his  birth  and  the  leper,  by  my  permission ;  and  when  thou  didst  bring 
forth  the  dead  from  their  graves,  by  my  permission ;  and  when  I 
withheld  the  children  of  Israel  from  killing  thee,  when  thou  hadst 
come  unto  them  with  evident  miracles,  and  such  of  them  as  believed 
not,  said,  This  is  nothing  but  manifest  sorcery.  And  when  I  com- 
manded the  apostles  of  Jesus,  saying,  Believe  in  me  and  in  my  mes- 
senger; they  answered,  We  do  believe;  and  do  thou  bear  witness  that 
we  are  resigned  unto  thee.  Remember  when  the  apostles  said,  O 
Jesus,  son  of  Mary,  is  thy  Lord  able  to  cause  a  table  to  descend  unto 
us  from  heaven?  He  answered.  Fear  God,  if  ye  be  true  believers. 
They  said,  We  desire  to  eat  thereof,  and  that  our  hearts  may  rest  at 
ease,  and  that  we  may  know  that  thou  hast  told  us  the  truth,  and 
that  we  may  be  witnesses  thereof.  Jesus,  the  son  of  Mary,  said,  O 
God  our  Lord,  cause  a  table  to  descend  unto  us  from  heaven,  that  the 
day  of  its  descent  may  become  a  festival  day  unto  us,  unto  the  first 
of  us,  and  unto  the  last  of  us,  and  a  sign  from  thee;  and  do  thou 
provide  food  for  us,  for  thou  art  the  best  provider.  God  said,  Verily 
I  will  cause  it  to  descend  unto  you;  but  whoever  among  you  shall 
disbelieve  hereafter,  I  will  surely  punish  him  with  a  punishment 
wh"rewith  I  will  not  punish  any  other  creature.  And  when  God 
sh ill  say  unto  Jesus,  at  the  last  day,  O  Jesus,  son  of  Mary,  hast  thou 
said  unto  men,  Take  me  and  my  mother  for  two  gods  beside  God? 
He  shall  answer,  Praise  be  unto  thee !  it  is  not  for  me  to  say  that 
which  I  ought  not;  if  I  had  said  so,  thou  wouldst  surely  have  known 
it:  thou  knowest  what  is  in  me,  but  I  know  not  what  is  in  thee;  for 
thou  art  the  knower  of  secrets.  I  have  not  spoken  to  them  any 
other  than  what  thou  didst  command  me ;  namely,  Worship  God,  my 
Lord  and  your  Lord :  and  I  was  a  witness  of  their  actions  while  I 
stayed  among  them ;  but  since  thou  hast  taken  me  to  thyself,  thou 
hast  been  the  watcher  over  them;  for  thou  art  witness  of  all  things. 
If  thou  punish  them,  they  are  surely  thy  servants;  and  if  thou  for- 
give them,  thou  art  mighty  and  wise.  God  will  say,  This  day  shall 
their  veracity  be  of  advantage  unto  those  who  speak  truth;  they  shall 
have  gardens  wherein  rivers  flow,  they  shall  remain  therein  forever: 
God  hath  been  well  pleased  in  them,  and  they  have  been  well  pleased 
in  him.  This  shall  be  great  felicity.  Unto  God  belongeth  the  king- 
dom of  heaven  and  of  earth,  and  of  whatever  therein  is;  and  he  is 
almighty. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

ENTITLED,    CATTLE;     REVEALED    AT  MECCA. 
IN   THE    NAME    OF    THE    MOST    MERCIFUL    GOD. 

PRAISE  be  unto  God,  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth, 
and  hath  ordained  the  darkness  and  the  light;  nevertheless  they  who 
believe  not  in  the  Lord,  equalize  other  gods  with  him.  It  is  he  who 
hath  created  you  of  clay;  and  then  decreed  the  term  of  jour  lives; 
and  the  prefixed  term  is  with  him :  yet-  do  we  doubt  thereof.  He  is 
God  in  heaven  and  inearth;  he  knoweth  what  ye  keep  secret,  and 
what  ye  publish,  and  knoweth  what  ye  deserve.  There  came  not 
unto  them  any  sign,  of  the  signs  of  their  Lord,  but  they  retired  from 
the  same;  and  they  have  gainsaid  the  truth,  after  that  it  hath  come 
unto  them:  but  a  message  shall  come  unto  them,  concerning  that 
which  they  have  mocked  at.  Do  they  not  consider  how  mam*  genera- 
tions we  have  destroyed  before  them  ?  We  had  established  them  in 
the  earth  in  a  manner  wherein  we  have  not  established  you ;  we  sent 
the  heaven  to  rain  abundantly  upon  them,  and  we  gave  them  rivers 
which  flowed  under  their  feet:  yet  we  destroyed  them  in  their  sins, 
and  raised  up  other  generations  after  them.  Although  we  had  caused 
to  descend  unto  thee  a  book  written  on  paper,  and  they  had  handled 
it  with  their  hands,  the  unbelievers  had  surely  said,  This  is  no  other 
than  manifest  sorcery.  They  said,  Unless  an  angel  be  sent  down 
unto  him,  -ire  will  not  believe.  But  if  we  had  sent  down  an  angel, 
verily  the  matter  had  been  decreed,  ?nd  they  should  not  have  been 
borne  with,  by  having  time  granted  thcin  to  repent.  And  if  we  had 
appointed  an  angel  for  our  messenger,  we  should  have  sent  him  in  the 
form  of  a  man,  and  have  clothed  him  before  them,  as  they  are  clothed. 
Other  apostles  have  been  laughed  to  scorn  before  thee;  but  the  judg- 
ment which  they  made  a  jest  of,  encompassed  those  who  laughed 
them  to  scorn.  Say,  Go  through,  tne  earth,  and  behold  what  bath 
bcon  the  sr  A  of  those  who  accused  our  prophets  of  imposture.  Say, 
Unto  wnom  oeiongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  earth  ?  Say, 
Unto  God,  He  hath  prescribed  unto  himself  mercy.  He  will  surely 
gather  you  together  on  the  day  of  resurrection ;  there  is  no  doubt  of 
it.  They  who  destrov  their  own  souis  are  those  who  will  not  believe. 
Unto  him  is  owing  whatsoever  happeneth  by  night  or  by  day;  it  is 
he  who  neareth  and  knoweth.  Say,  Shall  I  take  any  other  protector 
than  God,  the  creator  of  heaven  and  earth,  who  feedeth  all  and  is  not 
fed  by  any?  Say,  Verily  I  am  commanded  to  be  the  first  who  pro- 
fesseth  Islam  and  it  was  said  unto  me,  Thou  shalt  by  no  means  be 
one  of  the  idolater*.  Say,  Verily  I  fear,  if  I  should  rebel  against  my 


AL  KORAN.  78 

Lord,  the  punishment  of  the  great  day :  from  whomsoever  it  shall  be 
averted  on  that  day,  God  will  have  been  merciful  unto  him;  this  will 
be  manifest  salvation.  If  God  afflict  thee  with  any  hurt,  there  is 
none  who  can  take  it  off  from  thee,  except  himself;  "but  if  he  cause 
good  to  befall  thee,  he  is  almighty;  he  is  the  supreme  Lord  over  his 
servants;  and  he  is  wise  and  knowing.  Say,  What  thing  is  the 
strongest  in  bearing  testimony?  Say,  God;  he  is  witness  between  me 
and  you.  And  this  Koran  was  revealed  unto  me,  that  I  should 
admonish  you  thereby,  and  also  those  unto  whom  it  shall  reach.  Do 
you  really  profess  that  there  are  other  gods  together  with  God?  Say, 
I  do  not  profess  this.  Say,  Verily  he  is  one  God;  and  I  am  guiltless 
of  what  ye  associate  with  him.  They  unto  whom  we  have  given  the 
scripture  know  our  apostle,  even  as'they  know  their  own  children; 
but  they  who  destroy  their  own  souls,  will  not  believe.  Who  is  more 
unjust  than  he  who  inventeth  a  lie  against  God,  or  chargeth  his  signs 
with  imposture  ?  Surely  the  unjust  shall  not  prosper.  And  on  the 
day  of  resurrection  we  will  assemble  them  all;  then  will  we  say  unto 
those  who  associated  others  with  God,  Where  are  your  companions, 
whom  ye  imagined  to  be  those  of  God  ?  But  they  shall  have  no 
other  excuse,  than  that  they  shall  say,  By  Gcd  our  Lord,  we  have  not 
been  idolaters.  Behold,  how  thev  lie  against  themselves,  and  what 
they  have  blasphemously  imagined  to  be  the  companion  of  God  flieth 
from  them.  There  is  of  them  who  hearkeueth  unto  thee  when  thou 
readest  the  Koran ;  but  we  have  cast  veils  over  their  hearts,  that  they 
should  not  understand  it,  and  a  deafness  in  their  ears:  and 
though  they  should  see  all  kinds  of  signs,  they  will  not  believe  therein ; 
and  their  infidelity  will  arrive  to  that  height  that  they  will  even 
come  unto  thee,  to  dispute  with  thee.  The  unbelievers  will  say, 
This  is  nothing  but  silly  fables  of  ancient  times.  And  they  will 
forbid  others  from  believing  therein,  and  will  retire  afar  off  from  it; 
but  they  will  destroy  their  own  souls  only,  and  they  are  not  sensible 
thereof.  If  thou  didst  see,  when  they  shall  be  set  over  the  fire  of 
hell !  and  they  shall  say,  Would  to  God*  we  might  be  sent  back  into 
the  world :  we  would  not  charge  the  signs  of  our  Lord  with  impos- 
ture, and  we  would  become  true  believers:  nay,  but  that  is  become 
manifest  unto  them,  which  they  formerly  concealed ;  and  though  they 
should  be  sent  back  into  the  world,  they  would  surely  return  to  that 
which  was  forbidden  them;  and  they  are  surely  liars.  And  they  said, 
There  is  no  other  life  than  our  present  life;  neither  shall  we  be  raised 
again.  But  if  thou  couldst  see,  when  they  shall  be  set  before  their 
Lord!  He  shall  say  unto  them,  Is  not  this  in  truth  come  to  pass? 
They  shall  answer,  Yea,  by  our  Lord.  God  shall  say.  Taste  therefore 
the  punishment  due  unto  you,  for  that  ye  have  disbelieved.  They 
are  lost  who  reject  as  falsehood  the  meeting  of  God  in  the  next  life, 
until  the  hour  cometh  suddenly  upon  them.  Then  will  they  say, 
Alas!  for  that  we  have  behaved  ourselves  negligently  in  our  lifetime; 
and  they  shall  carry  their  burdens  on  their  backs;  will  it  not  be  evil 


74  AL  KORAN. 

•which  they  shall  be  loaden  with?  TLis  present  life  is  no  other  than 
a  play  and  a  vain  amusement;  but  sia-eiv  the  future  mansion  shall 
be  better  for  those  who  fear  God:  will  tj-oy  not  therefore  understand? 
Now  we  know  that  what  they  speak  grioveth  thee:  yet  they  do  not 
accuse  thee  of  falsehood;  but  the.  ungodly  contradict  the  signs  of 
God.  And  apostles  before  thee  have  beer,  accounted  liars:  but  they 
patiently  bore  their  being  accounted  liars,  and  their  being  vexed,  un- 
til our  'help  came  unto  them ;  for  there  is  none  who  can  change  the 
words  of  God:  and  thou  hast  received  some  information  concerning 
those  who  have  been  formerly  sent  from  him.  If  their  aversion  to 
thy  admonitions  be  grievous  unto  thee,  if  thou  canst  seek  out  a  den 
whereby  thou  mayest  penetrate  into  the  inward  parts  of  the  earth,  or 
a  ladder  by  which  thou  mayest  ascend  into  heaven,  that  thou  mayest 
show  them  a  sign,  do  so,  but  thy  search  will  be  fruitless;  for  if  God 
pleased  he  would  bring  them  all  to  the  true  direction :  be  not  there- 
fore one  of  the  ignorant.  He  will  give  a  favourable  answer  unto 
those  only  who  shall  hearken  with  attention:  and  God  will  raise  the 
dead;  then  unto  him  shall  they  return.  The  infidols  say,  Unless  some 
sign  be  sent  down  unto  him  from  his  Lord,  we  will  not  believe:  an- 
swer, Verily  God  is  able  to  send  down  a  sign:  but  the  greater  part  of 
them  know  it  not.  There  is  no  kind  of  beast  oil  earth,  nor  fowl 
which  flieth  with  its  wings,  but  the  same  is  a  pecp-e  like  unto  you; 
we  have  not  omitted  anything  in  the  book  of  our  dec-'ees:  then  unto 
their  Lord  shall  they  return.  They  who  accuse  our  aigns  of  false- 
hood, are  deaf  and  dumb,  walking  in  darkness:  God.  will  lead  into 
error  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  whom  he  pleaseth  he  wi;l  put  in  the 
right  way.  Say,  What  think  ye?  if  the  punishment  ot  God  come 
upon  you,  or  the  hour  of  the  resurrection  come  upon  you,  will  ye 
call  upon  any  other  than  God,  if  ye  speak  truth?  yea,  him  shall  ye 
call  upon,  and  he  shall  free  you  from  that  which  ye  shall  ask  him  to 
deliver  you  from,  if  he  pleaseth;  and  ye  shall  forget  th?t  which 
ye  associated  with  him.  We  have  already  sent  messengers  ?mto 
sundry  nations  before  thee,  and  we  afflicted  them  with  trouble  and 
adversity  that  they  might  humble  themselves:  yet  when  the  ai:"'.c 
tion  which  we  sent  came  upon  them,  they  did  not  humble  theiii- 
pelves:  but  their  hearts  became  hardened,  and  Satan  prepared  foi 
them  that  which  they  committed.  And  when  they  had  forgot- 
ten that  concerning  which  they  had  been  admonished,  we  opened 
unto  them  the  gates  of  all  thkigs;  until,  while  they  were  rejoicing  foi 
that  which  had  been  given  them,  we  suddenly  laid  hold  on  them,  and 
behold,  they  were  seized  with  despair;  and  the  utmost  part  of  the 
people  which  had  acted  wickedly,  was  cut  off:  praise  be  unto  God, 
the  Lord  of  all  creatures!  Say,  What  think  ye?  if  God  should  tak» 
away  your  hearing  and  your  sight,  and  should  seal  up  your  hearts ;  wfiat 
god  besides  God  will  restore  them  unto  you?  See  how  variously  we 
show  forth  the  signs  of  God's  unity ;  yet  do  they  turn  aside  from 
them.  Say  unto  them,  What  think  ye?  if  the  punishment  of  God 


AL  KOHA.N.  75 

come  up^'j  you  suddenly,  or  in  open  view;  will  any  perish,  ex- 
cept the  ungodly  people?  We  send  not  our  messengers  otherwise 
ihan  bearing  good  tidings  and  denouncing  threats.  Whoso  there 
fore  shall  believe  and  amend,  on  them  shall  no  fear  come,  neither 
shall  they  be  grieved :  but  whoso  shall  accuse  our  signs  of  falsehood, 
a  punishment  shall  fall  on  them,  because  they  have  done  wickedly. 
Bay,  I  say  not  unto  you,  The  treasures  of  God  are  in  my  power: 
neither  do  I  say,  I  know  the  secrets  of  God:  neither  do  I  say  unto 
you,  Verily  I  am  an  angel:  I  follow  only  that  which  is  revealed  unto 
me.  Say,  Shall  the  blind  and  the  seeing  be  held  equal  ?  do  ye  not 
therefore  consider  ?  Preach  it  unto  those  who  fear  that  they  shall  be 
assembled  before  their  Lord:  they  shall  have  no  patron  nor  inter- 
cessor, except  him;  that  peradventure  they  may  take  heed  to  them- 
selves. Drive  not  away  those  who  call  upon  their  Lord  morning  and 
evening,  desiring  to  see  his  face;  it  belongeth  not  unto  thee  to  pass 
any  judgment  on  them,  nor  doth  it  belong  unto  them  to  pass  any 
judgment  on  thee:  therefore  if  thou  drive  them  away,  thou  wilt 
become  one  of  the  unjust.  Thus  have  we  proved  some  part  of  them 
by  other  part,  that  they  may  say.  Are  these  the  people  among  us  unto 
whom  God  hath  been  gracious '!  Doth  net  God  most  truly  know 
those  who  are  thankful  ?  And  when  they  who  believe  in  our  signs 
shall  come  unto  thee,  say,  Peace  be  upon  you.  Your  Lord  hath  pre- 
scribed unto  himself  mercy;  so  that  whoever  among  you  worketh 
evil  through  ignorance,  and  afterwards  repenteth  and  amendeth,  unto 
him  will  he  surely  be  gracious  and  merciful.  Thus  have  we  distinctly 
propounded  our  signs,  that  the  path  of  the  wicked  might  be  inade 
known.  Say,  Verily  I  am  forbidden  to  worship  the"  false  deities 
which  ye  invoke,  besides  God.  Say,  I  will  not  follow  your  desires; 
for  then  should  I  err,  neither  should  I  be  one  of  those  who  are  rightly 
directed.  Say,  I  behave  according  to  the  plain  declaration  which  I 
have  received  from  my  Lord;  but  ye  have  forged  lies  concerning  him. 
That  which  ye  desire  should  be  hastened,  is  not  in  my  power:  judg- 
ment belongeth  only  unto  God;  he  will  determine  the  truth:  and  he 
is  the  best  discernef.  Say,  If  what  ye  desire  should  be  hastened  were 
in  my  power,  the  matter  had  been  determined  between  me  and  you: 
but  God  well  knoweth  the  unjust.  With  him  are  the  keys  of  the 
ii'cn-t  things;  none  knoweth  them  besides  himself:  he  knoweth  that 
which  is  on  the  dry  land  and  in  the  sea;  there  falleth  no  leaf,  but  he 
krmveth  it;  neither  is  there  a  single  grain  in  the  dark  parts  of  the 
er.>.  th,  neither  a  green  thing,  nor  a  dry  thing,  but  it  is  written  in  the 
perspicuous  book.  It  is  he  who  causeth  you  to  sleep  by  night,  and 
knoweth  what  ye  merit  by  day:  he  also  awaketh  you  therein,  that 
the  prefixed  term  of  your  lives  may  be  fulfilled;  then  unto  him  shall 

Sj  return,  and  he  shall  declare  unto  you  that  which  ye  have  wrought, 
e  is  supreme  over  his  servants,  and  sendeth  the  guardian  angels  to 
watch  over  you,  until,  when  death  overtaketh  one  of  you,  our  mes- 
•engers  cause  him  to  die ;  and  they  will  not  neglect  our  commands. 


7«  AL  KORAN. 

Afterwards  shall  they  return  unto  God,  their  true  Lord:  doth  not 
judgment  belong  unto  him  ?  he  is  the  most  quick  in  taking  an 
account.  Say,  Who  delivereth  you  from  the  darkness  of  the  land, 
and  of  the  sea,  when  ye  call  upon  him  humbly  and  in  private,  sayin.tr. 
Verily  if  thou  deliver  us  from  thes°.  dangers,  we  will  surely  be  thank- 
ful ?  Say,  God  delivereth  you  from  them,  and  from  every  grief  of 
mind;  yet  afterwards  ye  give  him  companions.  Say,  He  is  ab!e 
to  send  on  you  a  punishment  from  above  you,  or  from  under  your 
feet,  or  to  engage  you  in  dissension,  and  to  make  some  of  you  taste 
the  violence  of  others.  Observe  how  variously  we  show  forth  our 
•igns,  that  peradventure  they  may  understand.  This  people  hath 
accused  the  revelation  which  thou  hast  brought  of  falsehood,  although 
it  be  the  truth.  Say,  I  am  not  a  guardian  over  you :  every  prophecy 
hath  its  fixed  time  of  accomplishment;  and  ye  will  hereafter  know  it. 
When  thou  seest  those  who  are  engaged  in  cavilling  at  or  ridiculing 
our  signs;  depart  from  them,  until  they  be  engaged  in  some  other 
discourse:  and  if  Satan  cause  thee  to  forget  this  precept,  do  not  sit 
with  the  ungodly  people,  after  recollection.  They  who  fear  God  are 
not  at  all  accountable  for  them,  but  their  duty  is  to  remember,  that 
they  may  take  heed  to  themselves.  Abandon  those  who  make-  their 
religion  a  sport  and  a  jest;  and  whom  the  present  life  hath  deceived: 
and  admonish  them  by  the  Koran,  that  a  soul  becometh  liable  to 
destruction  for  that  wh'ich  it  committeth :  it  shall  have  no  patron  nor 
intercessor  besides  God;  and  if  it  could  pay  the  utmost  price  of 
redemption,  it  would  not  be  accepted  from  it.  They  who  are  deliv- 
ered over  to  perdition  for  that  which  they  have  committed,  shall  have 
boiling  water  to  drink,  and  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment, 
because  they  have  disbelieved.  Say,  Shall  we  call  upon  iliat,  be.-ides 
God,  which  can  neither  profit  us  nor  hurt  us  '!  and  shall  we  turn 
back  on  our  heels,  after  that  God  hath  directed  us;  like  him  whom 
the  devils  have  infatuated,  wandering  ama/.edly  in  the  earth,  and  yd 
having  companions  who  call  him  to  the  true  direction,  saying.  Come 
unto  us?  Bay,  The  direction  of  God  is  the  true  direction:  A\ea:e 
commanded  to  resign  ouri^lves  unto  the  Lord  of  all  creatures;  and  it 
is  also  commanded  us,  saying,  Observe  the  stated  times  of  prayer,  and 
fear  him;  for  it  is  he  before  whom  ye  shall  be  assembled.  It  is  he 
who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in  truth;  and  whenever 
he  saith  unto  a  thing,  Be,  it  is.  His  word  is  the  truth;  and  bis  will 
be  the  kingdom  on  the  day  whereon  the  trumpet  shall  be  sounded: 
he  knoweth  whatever  is  secret,  and  whatever  is  public:  he  is  the 
wise,  the  knowing.  Call  to  mind  when  Abraham  said  unto  his  father 
Azer,  Dost  thou  take  images  for  gods?  Verily  1  perceive  that  thou 
and  thy  people  are  in  a  manifest  error.  And  thus  did  we  show  unto 
Abraham  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  he  might  become 
one  of  those  who  firmly  believe.  And  when  the  night  overshadowed 
him,  he  saw  a  star,  and  he  said,  This  is  my  Lord;  but  when  it  set,  he 
said,  I  like  not  gods  which  set.  And  when  he  saw  the  moon  rising, 


AL  KORAN.  77 

he  said,  This  is  my  Lord;  but  when  he  saw  it  set,  he  said,  Verily  if 
my  Lord  direct  me  not,  I  shall  become  one  of  the  people  who  go 
astray.  And  when  he  saw  the  sun  rising,  he  said,  This  is  my  Lord, 
this  is  the  greatest ;  but  when  it  set,  he  said,  O  my  people,  verily  I 
am  clear  of  that  which  ye  associate  with  God:  I  direct  my  face  unto 
him  who  hath  created"  the  heavens  and  the  earth;  I  am  orthodox, 
and  am  not  one  of  the  idolaters.  And  his  people  disputed  with  him: 
and  he  said,  Will  ye  dispute  with  me  concerning  God  ?  since  he  hath 
now  directed  me,  and  I  fear  not  that  which  he  associate  with  him, 
unless  that  my  Lord  willeth  a  thing;  for  my  Lord  comprehendeth  all 
things  by  his  knowledge:  will  ye  not  therefore  consider  ?  And  how 
should  f  fear  that  which  ye  associate  with  God,  since  ye  fear  not  to 
have  associated  with  God  that  concerning  which  he  hath  sent  down 
unto  you  no  authority  ?  which  therefore  of  the  two  parties  is  the 
more  safe,  if  ye  understand  aright  ?  They  who  believe,  and  clothe 
not  their  faith  with  injustice,  they  shall  enjoy  security,  and  they  are 
rightly  directed.  And  this  is  our  argument  wherewith  we  furnished 
Abraham  that  lie  might  make  use  of  it  against  his  people:  we  exalt 
unto  degrees  of  wisdom  and  knowledge  whom  we  please;  for  thy 
Lord  is  wise  and  knowing.  And  we  gave  unto  him  Isaac  and  Jacob; 
we  directed  them  both:  and  Xoah  had  we  before  directed,. and  of  his 
posterity  David  and  Solomon ;  and  Job,  and  Joseph,  and  Moses,  and 
Aaron:  thus  do  we  reward  the  righteous:  and  Zacharias,  and  John, 
and  Jesus,  andElias;  all  of  them  were  upright  men:  and  Ismael,  and 
Elisha,  and  Jonas,  and  Lot ;  all  these  have  we  favoured  above  the 
rest  of  the  world ;  and  also  divers  of  their  fathers,  and  their  issue,  and 
their  brethren ;  and  we  chose  them ,  and  directed  them  into  the  right  way. 
This  is  the  direction  of  God,  he  directeth  thereby  such  of  his  servants 
as  he  pleaseth;  but  if  they  have  been  guilty  of  idolatry,  that  which 
they  wrought  would  have  become  utterly  fruitless  unto  them.  Those 
were  the  persons  unto  whom  we  gave  the  scripture,  and  wisdom,  and 
prophecy;  but  if  these  believe  not  therein,  we  will  commit  the  care  of 
them  to  a  people  who  shall  not  disbelieve  the  same.  Those  were  the 
persons  whom  God  hath  directed,  therefore  follow  their  direction. 
Say  unto  the  inhabitants  of  Mecca,  I  ask  of  you  no  recompense  for 
preaching  the  Koran ;  it  is  no  other  than  an  admonition  unto  all  crea- 
tures. They  make  not  a  due  estimation  of  God,  when  they  say,  God 
hath  not  sent  down  unto  man  anything  at  all.  Say,  Who  sent  down 
the  book  which  Moses  brought,  a  light  and  a  direction  unto  men; 
which  ye  transcribe  on  papers,  whereof  ye  publish  some  part,  and 
great  part  whereof  ye  conceal?  and  ye  have  been  taught  by  Moham- 
med what  ye  know  "not,  neither  your  fathers.  Say,  God  sent  it  down: 
then  leave  them  to  amuse  themselves  with  their  vain  discourse.  This 
book  which  we  have  sent  down  is  blessed;  confirming  that  which 
was  revealed  before  it;  and  is  delivered  unto  thee that thou  ma  vest 
preach  it  unto  the  metropolis  of  Mecca  and  to  those  who  are  round 
about  it.  And  they  who  believe  in  the  next  life  will  believe  therein, 


t8  AL  KORAN. 

and  they  will  diligently  observe  their  times  of  prayer.  Who  is  more 
•wicked  than  he  who  forgeth  a  lie  concerning  God?  or  saitli,  This  was 
revealed  unto  me,  when  nothing  hath  been  revealed  unto  him?  and 
who  saith,  I  will  produce  a  revelation  like  unto  that  which  God  hath 
sent  down?  If  thou  didst  see  when  the  ungodly  are  in  the  pangs  of 
death,  and  the  angels  reach  out  their  hands,  saying,  Cast  forth  your 
souls;  this  day  shall  ye  receive  an  ignominious  punishment  for  that 
which  ye  have  falsely  spoken  concerning  God ;  and  because  ye  have 
proudly  rejected  his  signs.  And  now  are  ye  come  unto  us  alone,  as 
we  created  you  at  first,  and  ye  have  left  that  which  we  had  bestowed 
on  you,  behind  your  back;  neither  do  we  see  with  you  your  interces- 
sors, whom  ye  thought  to  have  been  partners  with  God  among  you . 
now  is  the  relation  between  you  cut  off,  and  what  ye  imagined  hath 
deceived  you.  God  causeth  the  grain  and  the  date-stone  to  put  forth: 
he  bringeth  forth  the  living  from  the  dead,  and  he  bringeth  forth  the 
dead  from  the  living.  This  is  God.  Why  therefore  are  ye  turned 
away  from  him?  He  causeth  the  morning  to  appear;  and  hath  or- 
dained the  night  for  rest,  and  the  sun  and  the  moon  for  the  comput- 
ing of  time.  This  is  the  disposition  of  the  mighty,  the  wise  God. 
It  is  he  who  hath  ordained  the  stars  for  you,  that  ye  may  be  directed 
thereby  in  the  darkness  of  the  land  and  of  the  sea.  We  have  clearly 
shown  forth  our  signs,  unto  people  who  understand.  It  is  he  who 
hath  produced  you  from  one  soul ;  and  hath  provided  for  you  a  sure 
receptacle  and  a  repository.  We  have  clearly  shown  forth  our  signs, 
unto  people  who  are  wise.  It  is  he  who  sendeth  down  water  from 
heaven,  and  we  have  thereby  produced  the  springing  buds  of  all 
things,  and  have  thereout  produced  the  green  thing,  from  which  we 
produce  the  grain  growing  in  rows,  and  palm-trees  from  whose 
branches  proceed  clusters  of  dates  hanging  close  together;  and 
gardens  of  grapes,  and  olives,  and  pomegranates,  both  like  and  un- 
like to  one  another.  Look  on  their  fruits,  when  they  bear  fruit,  and 
their  growing  to  maturity.  Verily  herein  are  signs,  unto  people  who 
believe.  Yet  they  have  set  up  the  genii  as  partners  with  God,  al- 
though he  created  them:  and  they  have  falsely  attributed  unto 
him  sons  and  daughters,  without  knowledge.  Praise  be  unto 
him;  and  far  be  that  from  him  which  they  attribute  unto  him! 
He  is  the  maker  of  heaven  and  earth :  how  should  he  have  issue, 
since  he  hath  no  consort  ?  he  hath  created  all  things,  and  he  is 
omniscient.  This  is  God  your  Lord ;  there  is  no  God  but  he,  the 
creator  of  all  things:  therefore  serve  him;  for  he  taketh  care  of 
all  things.  The  sight  comprehendeth  him  not,  but  he  compre- 
hendeth  the  sight;  he  is  the  gracious,  the  wise.  Xow  have  evi- 
dent  demonstrations  come  unto  you  from  your  Lord;  whoso  seeth 
them,  the  advantage  thereof  will  redound  to  his  own  soul:  and 
whoso  is  wilfully  blind,  the  consequence  will  be  to  himself.  I  am  not 
a  keeper  over  you.  Thus  do  we  variously  explain  our  signs;  that 
they  may  say,  Thou  hast  studied  diligently;  and  that  we  may  d«- 


AL  KORAN.  79 

clare  them  unto  people  of  understanding.  Follow  that  which  hath 
been  revealed  unto  thee  from  thy  Lord;  there  is  no  God  but  he:  retire 
therefore  from  the  idolaters.  If  God  had  so  pleased,  they  had  not 
been  guilty  of  idolatry.  We  have  not  appointed  thee  a  keeper  over 
them;  neither  art  thuu  a  guardian  over  them.  Revile  not  the  ido.'s 
which  they  invoke  besides  God,  lest  they  maliciously  revile  Goc,, 
without  knowledge.  Thus  have  we  prepared  fur  every  nation  their 
works:  hereafter  unto  God  shall  they  return,  and  he 'shall  declare 
unto  them  that  which  the}'  have  done.  They  have  sworn  by  God, 
by  the  most  solemn  oath,  that  if  a  sign  came  unto  them,  they  would 
certainly  believe  therein:  Say,  Verily  signs  are  in  the  power  of  God 
.nJone;  and  he  permitteth  you  not  to  understand  that  when  they 
come,  they  will  not  believe.  And  we  will  turn  aside  their  hearts  and 
their  sight  from  the  truth,  as  they  believed  not  therein  the  first  time; 
jud  we  will  leave  them  to  wander  in  their  error.  (VIII.)  And 
i  hough  we  had  sent  down  angels  unto  them,  and  the  dead  had 
s'/okeu  unto  them,  and  we  had  gathered  together  before  them  all 
things  in  one  view;  they  would  not  have  believed,  unless  God  had  so 
pleased:  but  the  greater  part  of  them  know  it  not.  Thus  have  we 
appointed  unto  every  prophet  an  enemy;  the  devils  of  men,  and  of 
genii,  who  privately  suggest  the  one  to  the  other  specious  discourses 
to  deceive:  but  if  thy  Lord  pleased,  they  would  not  have  done  it. 
Therefore  leave  them,  and  that  which  they  have  falsely  imagined;  and 
let  thf  hearts  of  those  be  inclined  thereto,  who  believe  not  in  the  life 
to  come;  and  let  them  please  themselves  therein,  and  let  them  gain 
that  \vl  ich  they  are  gaining.  Shall  I  seek  after  any  other  judge  be- 
sides G<  Ito  judge  between  us?  It  is  he  who  hath  sent  down  unto 
you  the  book  of  the  Koran,  distinguishing  between  good  and  evil; 
and  they  to  whom  we  gave  the  scripture  know  that  it  is  sent  down 
from  thy  Lord,  with  truth.  Be  not  therefore  one  of  those  who  doubt 
thereof.  The  words  of  thy  Lord  are  perfect  in  truth  and  justice; 
there  is  none  who  can  change  his  words:  he  both  heareth  and  know- 
eth.  But  if  thou  obey  the  greater  part  of  them  who  are  in  the  earth, 
they  will  lead  thee  "aside  from  the  path  of  God:  they  follow  an 
uncertain  opinion  only,  and  speak  nothing  but  lies,;  verily  thy  Lord 
well  knoweth  those  who  go  astray  from  his  path,  -uid  well  knoweth 
those  who  are  rightly  directed.  Eat  of  that  whereon  the  name  of 
God  hath  been  commemorated,  if  ye  believe  in  his  signs:  and  why  do 
ye  not  eat  of  that  whereon  the  name  of  God  hath  been  commemo- 
rated? since  he  hath  plainly  declared  unto  you  what  he  hath  forbid- 
den you;  except  that  which  ye  be  compelled  to  eat  of  by  necessity: 
many  lead  others  into  error,  because  of  their  appetites,  being  void  of 
knowledge;  but  thy  Lord  well  knoweth  who  are  the  transgressors. 
Leave  both  the  outside  of  iniquity,  and  the  inside  thereof:  for  they 
who  commit  iniquity  shall  receive  the  reward  o*  that  which  they 
shall  have  gained.  Eat  not  therefore  of  that  whereon  the  name  of 
God  hath  not  been  commemorated;  for  this  is  certainly  wickedness 


80  AL  KORAN. 

but  the  devils  will  suggest  unto  their  friends,  that  they  dispute  with 
you  concerning  this  precept;  but  if  ye  obey  them,  ye  are  surely  idol- 
aters. Shall  he  who  hath  been  dead,  and  whom  we  have  restored 
uuto  life,  and  unto  whom  we  have  ordained  a  light,  whereby  he  may 
walk  among  men,  be  as  he  whose  similitude  is  in  darkness,  from 
whence  he  shall  not  come  forth?  Thus  was  that  which  the  infidels 
are  doing,  prepared  for  them.  And  thus  have  we  placed  in  every 
city  chief  leaders  of  the  wicked  men  thereof,  that  they  may  act  de- 
ceitfully therein;  but  they  shall  act  deceitfully  against  their  own  souls 
only;  and  they  know  it  not.  And  when  a  sign  cometh  unto  them, 
they  say,  We  will  by  no  means  believe  until  a  revelation  be  brought 
unto  us,  like  unto  that  which  hath  been  delivered  unto  the  messengers 
of  God.  God  best  knowetli  whom  he  will  appoint  for  his  messenger. 
Vileness  in  the  sight  of  God  shall  fall  upon  those  who  deal  wickedly, 
and  a  grievous  punishment,  for  that  they  have  dealt  deceitfully. 
And  whomsoever  God  shall  please  to  direct,  he  will  open  his  breast 
to  receive  the  faith  of  Islam :  but  whomsoever  he  shall  please  to  lead 
into  error,  he  will  render  his  breast  straight  and  narrow,  as  though 
he  were  climbing  up  to  heaven.  Thus  doth  God  inflict  a  terrible 
punishment  on  those  who  believe  not.  This  is  the  right  way  of  thy 
Lord.  Now  have  we  plainly  declared  our  signs  unto  those  people 
who  will  consider.  They  shall  have  a  dwelling  of  peace  with  their 
Lord,  and  he  shall  be  their  patron,  because  of  that  which  they 
have  wrought.  Think  on  the  day  whereon  God  shall  gather  them 
all  together,  and  shall  say,  O  company  of  genii,  ye  have  been  much 
concerned  with  mankind;  and  their  friends  from  among  mankind 
shall  say,  O  Lord,  the  one  of  us  hath  received  advantage  from 
the  other,  and  we  are  arrived  at  our  limited  term  which  thou 
hast  appointed  us.  God  will  say.  Hell  fire  shall  be  your  habita- 
tion, therein  shall  ye  remain  for  ever;  unless  as  God  shall  please 
to  mitigate  your  pains,  for  thy  Lord  is  wise  and  knowing.  Thus  do 
we  set  some  of  the  unjust  over  others  of  them,  because  of  that  which 
they  have  deserved.  O  company  of  genii  and  men,  did  not  messen- 
gers from  among  yourselves  come  unto  you,  rehearsing  my  signs 
unto  you,  and  forewarning  you  of  the  meeting  of  this  your  day? 
They  shall  answer,  We  bear  witness  against  ourselves:  the  present 
life  deceived  them:  and  they  shall  bear  witness  against  themselves 
that  they  were  unbelievers.  This  hath  been  the  method  of  God's 
dealing  with  his  creatures,  because  thy  Lord  would  not  destroy  the 
cities  in  their  iniquity,  while  their  inhabitants  were  careless.  Every 
one  shall  have  degrees  of  recompense  of  that  which  they  shall  do  ; 
for  thy  Lord  is  not  regardless  of  that  which  they  do.  and  thy  Lord  is 
self-sufficient  and  endued  with  mercy.  If  he  pleaseth  he  can  destroy 
you,  and  cause  such  as  he  pleaseth  to  succeed  you,  in  like  manner  ;is 
he  produced  you  from  the  posterity  of  other  people.  Verily  tliiit 
which  is  threatened  you  shall  surely  come  to  pass;  neither  shall  \e 
cause  it  to  fail.  Say  unto  those  of  Mecca,  O  my  people,  act  accord- 


AL  KORAN.  81 

ing  to  your  power;  verily  I  will  act  according  to  my  duty:  and 
hereafter  shall  ye  know  whose  will  be  the  reward  of  paradise.  The 
ungodly  shall  not  prosper.  Those  of  Mecca  set  apart  unto  God  a 
portion  of  that  which  he  hath  produced  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth, 
and  of  cattle;  and  say,  This  belongeth  unto  God  (according  to  their 
imagination),  and  this  unto  our  companions.  And  that  which  is 
destined  for  their  companions  cometh  not  unto  God;  yet  that  which 
is  set  apart  unto  God  cometh  unto  their  companions.  How  ill  do 
they  judge !  In  like  manner  have  their  companions  induced  many  of 
the  idolaters  to  slay  their  children,  that  they  might  bring  them  to 
perdition,  and  that  they  might  render  their  religion  obscure  and  con- 
fused unto  them.  But  if  God  had  pleased,  they  had  not  done  this- 
therefore  leave  them,  and  that  which  they  falsely  imagine.  They 
also  say,  These  cattle  and  fruits  of  the  earth  are  sacred ;  none  shall 
eat  thereof,  but  who  we  please  (according  to  their  imagination);  and 
there  are  cattle  whose  backs  are  forbidden  to  be  rode  on,  or  laden  with 
burdens ;  and  there  are  cattle  on  which  they  commemorate  not  the 
name  of  God  when  they  slay  them,  devising  a  lie  against  him:  God 
shall  reward  them  for  that  which  they  falsely  devise.  And  they  say, 
That  which  is  in  the  bellies  of  these  cattle,  is  allowed  our  males  to 
eat,  and  is  forbidden  to  our  wives:  but  if  it  prove  abortive,  then  they 
are  both  partakers  thereof.  God  shall  give  them  the  reward  of  their 
attributing  these  things  to  him :  he  is  knowing  and  wise.  They  are 
utterly  lost  who  have  slain  their  children  foolishly,  without  know- 
lei  lir<- ;  and  have  forbidden  that  which  God  hath  given  them  for  food, 
devising  a  lie  against  God.  They  have  erred,  and  were  not  rightly 
directed.  He  it  is  who  prcduceth  gardens  of  vines,  both  those  which 
are  supported  on  trails  of  wood,  and  those  which  are  not  supported, 
and  palm  trees,  and  the  corn  affording  various  food,  and  olives  and 
pomegranates,  alike  and  unlike  unto  one  another.  Eat  of  their  fruit, 
when  they  bear  fruit,  and  pay  the  due  thereof  on  the  day  whereon 
ye  shall  gather  it ;  but  be  not  profuse,  for  God  loveth  not  those  who 
are  too  profuse.  And  God  hath  given  you  some  cattle  tit  for  bearing 
of  burdens,  and  some  fit  for  slaughter  only.  Eat  of  what  God 
hath  given  you  for  food;  and  follow  not  the  steps  of  Satan,  for 
he  is  your  declared  enemy.  Four  pair  of  cattle  hath  God  given 
you;  of  sheep  one  pair,  and  of  goats  one  pair.  Say  unto  them, 
Hatli  God  forbidden  the  two  males,  of  sheep  and  of  goats,  or  the 
two  females;  or  that  which  the  wombs  of  the  two  females  con- 
tain? Tell  me  with  certainty,  if  ye  speak  truth.  And  of  camels 
hath  God  given  you  one  pair,  and  of  oxen  one  pair.  Say,  Hath 
he  forbidden  the  two  males  of  these,  or  the  two  females;  or  that 
which  the  wombs  of  the  two  females  contain?  Were  ye  present 
when  God  commanded  you  this?  And  who  is  more  unjust  than 
he  who  deviseth  a  lie  against  God,  that  he  may  seduce  men  with- 
out understanding?  Verily  God  directeth  not  unjust  people.  Say, 
I  find  not  in  that  which  hath  been  revealed  uuto  me,  anything 


83  AL  KORAN. 

forbidden  unto  the  eater,  that  he  eat  it  not,  except  it  be  that 
which  dieth  of  itself,  or  blood  poured  forth,  or  swine's  flesh:  lor 
this  is  an  abomination:  or  that  which  is  profane,  having  been  slain 
in  the  name  of  some  other  than  of  God.  But  whoso  shall  be  com- 
pelled by  necessity  to  eat  of  these  things,  not  lusting,  nor  wilfully 
transgressing,  verily  thy  Lord  will  be  gracious  unto  him  and  merci- 
ful. Unto  the  Jews  did  we  forbid  every  beast  having  an  undivided 
hoof;  and  of  bullocks  and  sheep,  we  forbade  them  having  the  fat  of 
both;  except  that  which  should  be  on  their  backs,  or  their  inwards, 
or  which  should  be  intermixed  with  the  bone.  This  have  we  re- 
warded them  with,  because  of  their  iniquity:  and  we  are  surely 
speakers  of  truth.  If  they  accuse  thee  of  imposture,  say,  Your  Lord 
is  endued  with  extensive  mercy:  but  his  severity  shall  not  be  averted 
from  wicked  people.  The  idolaters  will  say,  If  God  had  pleased,  we 
had  not  been  guilty  of  idolatry,  neither  our  fathers;  and  pretend  that 
we  have  not  forbidden  them  anything.  Thus  did  they  who  were  be- 
fore them  accuse  the  prophets  of  imposture,  until  they  tasted  our 
severe  punishment.  Say,  Is  there  with  you  any  certain  knowledge 
of  what  ye  allege,  that  ye  may  produce  it  unto  us?  Ye  follow  only 
a  false  imagination:  and  ye  only  utter  lies.  Say,  Therefore  unto  God 
belongeth  the  most  evident  demonstration;  for  if  he  had  pleased,  he 
had  directed  you  all.  Say,  Produce  your  witnesses,  who  can  bear 
testimony  that  God  hath  forbidden  this.  But  if  they  bear  testimony 
of  this,  do  not  thou  bear  testimony  with  them,  nor  do  thou  follow 
the  desires  of  those  who  accuse  our  signs  of  falsehood,  and  who  be- 
lieve not  in  the  life  to  come,  and  equalize  idols  -with  their  Lord. 
Say,  Come;  I  will  rehearse  that  which  your  Lord  hath  forbidden 
you;  that  is  to  say,  that  ye  be  not  guilty  of  idolatry,  and  that  ye  show 
kindness  to  your  parents,  and  that  ye  murder  not  your  children  for  fear 
lest  ye  be  reduced  to  poverty:  we  will  provide  for  you  and  them:  and 
draw  not  near  unto  heinous  crimes,  neither  openly  nor  in  secret;  and 
slay  not  the  soul  which  God  hath  forbidden  you  to  slay,  un'ess  for  a 
just  cause.  This  hath  he  enjoined  you  that  ye  may  understand.  And 
meddle  not  with  the  substance  of  the  orphan,  otherwise  than  for  the 
improving  thereof,  until  he  attain  his  age  of  strength;  and  use  a  full 
measure  and  a  ju-t  balance.  We  will  not  impose  a  ta>k  on  any  soul, 
beyond  its  ability.  And  when  ye  pronounce  judgment  observe  jus- 
tice, although  it  be  j'or  or  against  one  who  is  near  of  kin,  and  fulfil 
the  covenant  of  God.  This  hath  God  commanded  you,  that  ye  may 
be  admonished;  and  ,Lhat  ye  may  know  that  this  is  my  ri-rht  way: 
therefore  follow  it,  and  follow  not  the  paths  of  others,  lest  ye  be 
scattered  from  the  path  cf  God.  This  hath  he  commanded  you,  that 
ye  may  take  heed.  We  gave  also  unto  Moses  the  book  of  the  Law ;  a 
perfect  rule  unto  him  "who  should  do  right,  and  a  determination  con- 
cerning all  things  needful,  and  a  direction,  and  mercy;  that  the  chil- 
oT?r\  of  Israel  might  believe  the  meeting  of  their  Lord.  And  this 
loci:  vhich  we  have  now  sent  down,  is  blessed;  therefore  follow  it 


AL  KORAN.  83 

and  fear  God,  that  ye  may  obtain  mercy:  lest  ye  should  say,  The 
scriptures  were  only  sent  down  unto  two  people  before  us;  and  we 
neglected  to  peruse  them  with  attention :  or  lest  ye  should  say,  If  a 
book  of  divine  revelations  had  been  sent  down  unto  us,  we  would 
surely  have  been  better  directed  than  they.  And  now  hath  a  mani- 
fest declaration  come  unto  you  from  your  Lord,  and  a  direction  and 
mercy:  and  who  is  more  unjust  than  he  who  deviseth  lies  against  the 
signs  of  God,  and  turneth  asid;,'  from  them?  We  will  reward  those 
who  turn  aside  from  our  signs  with  a  grievous  punishment,  be- 
came they  have  turned  aside.  Do  they  wait  for  any  other  than 
that  the  angels  should  come  unto  them,  to  part  their  souls  from 
I'icir  bodies";  or  that  thy  Lord  should  come  to  punish  them;  or 
111!  some  of  the  signs  of  thy  Lord  should  come  to  pass,  showing 
the  day  of  judgment  to  be  at  hand?  On  the  day  whereon  some 
of  thy  Lord's  signs  shall  come  to  pass,  its  faith  shall  not  profit  a 
soul  which  believed  not  before,  or  wrought  not  good  in  its  faith. 
Say,  Wait  ye  for  this  day;  we  surely  do  wait  for  it.  They  who  make 
a  division  in  their  religion,  and  become  sectaries,  have  thou  nothing 
to  do  with  them ;  their  affair  belongeth  only  unto  God.  Hereafter 
shall  he  declare  unto  them  that  which  they  have  done.  He  who 
shall  appear  with  good  works  shall  receive  a  tenfold  recompense 
for  the  same;  but  ne  who  shall  appear  with  evil  works,  shall  re- 
ceive only  an  equal  punishment  for  the  same ;  and  they  shall  not 
be  treated  unjustly.  Say,  Verily  my  Lord  hath  directed  me  into 
a  right  way,  a  true  religion,  the  sect  of  Abraham  the  orthodox;  and 
he  was  no 'idolater.  Say,  Verily  my  prayers,  and  my  worship,  and 
my  life,  and  my  death  are  dedicated  unto  God,  the  Lord  of  all  crea- 
tures: he  hath  no  companion.  This  have  I  been  commanded:  I  am  the 
first  Moslem.  Say,  Shall  I  desire  any  other  Lord  besides  God? 
since  he  is  the  Lord  of  all  things;  and  no  soul  shall  acquire  any  merits 
or  demerits  but  for  itself;  and  no  burdened  soul  shall  bear  the 
burden  of  another.  Moreover  unto  your  Lord  shall  ye  return ;  and 
he  shall  declare  unto  you  that  concerning  which  ye  now  dispute.  It 
is  he  who  hath  appointed  you  to  succeed  your  predecessors  in  the 
earth,  and  hath  raised  some  of  you  above  others  by  various  degrees 
of  worldly  advantages,  that  he  might  prove  you  by  that  which  he 
hath  bestowed  on  you.  Thy  Lord  is  swift  in  punishing ;  and  ho  i" 
also  gracious  and  merciful. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ENTITLED,    AL   ARAF;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A  L.  M.  S.  A  book  hath  been  sent  down  unto  thee:  and  therefore  let 
there  be  nodoubt  in  thy  breast  concerning  it;  thatthou  inaycst  pi  each 
the  same,  and  that  it  may  be  an  admonition  unto  the  faithful.  Follow 
that  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  you  from  your  Lord ;  and  fol- 
low no  guide  besides  him:  how  little  will  ye  be  warned!  How  many 
cities  have  we  destroyed;  which  our  vengeance  overtook  by  night,  or 
while  they  were  reposing  themselves  at  noonday!  And  their  suppli- 
cation, when  our  punishment  came  upon  them,  was  no  other  than 
that  they  said,  Verily  we  have  been  unjust.  We  will  surely  call  those 
to  an  account,  unto  whom  a  prophet  hath  been  sent;  and  we  will  also 
call  those  to  account  who  have  been  sent  unto  them.  And  we  will  de- 
clare their  actions  unto  them  with  knowledge;  for  we  are  not  absent 
from  them.  The  weighing  of  men's  actions  on  that  day  shall  be  just; 
and  they  whose  balances  laden  with  their  good  works  shall  be  heavy, 
are  those  who  shall  be  happy;  but  they  whose  balances  shall  be  light, 
are  those  who  have  lost  their  souls,  because  they  injured  our  signs. 
And  now  have  we  placed  you  on  the  earth,  and  have  provided  you 
food  therein;  but  bow  little  are  ye  thankful!  We  created  you,  and 
afterwards  formed  you;  and  then  said  unto  the  angels.  Worship 
Adam;  and  they  aM  worshipped  him,  except  Eblis,  who  was  not  one 
of  those  who  worshipped.  God  said  unto  him,  What  hindered  thee 
from  worshipping  Adam,  since  I  had  commanded  thee?  He  answered, 
I  am  more  excellent  than  he ;  thou  hast  created  me  of  fire,  and  hast 
created  him  of  clay.  God  said,  Get  thee  down  therefore  from  para- 
dise ;  for  it  is  not  fit  that  thou  behave  thyself  proudly  therein :  get  thee 
hence;  thou  shalt  be  one  of  the  contemptible.  He  answered,  Give 
me  respite  until  the  day  of  resurrection.  God  said,  Verily  thou  shalt 
be  one  of  those  who  are  respited.  The  devil  said,  Because  thou  hast 
depraved  me,  I  will' lay  wait  for  men  in  thy  strait  way;  then  will  I 
come  upon  them  from  before,  and  from  behind,  and  from  their  right 
hands,  and  from  their  left;  and  thou  shalt  not  find  the  greater  part  of 
them  thankful.  God  said  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence,  despised,  and 
driven  faraway:  verily  whoever  of  thorn  shall  follow  thee,  I  will  surely 
fill  hell  with  you  all :  but  as  for  thee,  < )  Adam,  dwell  thou  and  Ihy  wife 
in  paradise;  and  eat  of  the  fruit  thereof  wherever  ye  will;  but  approach 
not  this  tree,  lestye  become  of  the  number  of  the  unjust.  And  Satan 
suggested  to  them  both,  that  he  would  discover  unto  them  their  naked- 
ness, which  was  hidden  from  them;  and  he  said,  Your  Lord  hath  not 


AL  KORAN.  & 

forbidden  you  this  tree,  for  any  other  reason  but  lest  ye  should  be- 
come angels,  or  lot  ye  become  immortal.  And  he  swareunto  them, 
saying.  Verily  I  am  one  of  those  who  counsel  you  aright.  And  he 
caused  them  to  fall  through  deceit.  And  when  they  had  tasted  of  the 
tree,  their  nakedness  appeared  unto  them;  and  they  began  to  join 
together  the  leaves  of  paradise,  to  cover  themselves.  And  their  Lord 
called  to  them,  saying,  Did  I  not  forbid  you  this  tree;  and  did  I  not 
say  unto  you.  Verily  Satan  is  your  declared  enemy?  They  answered,  O 
Lord,  we  have  dealt  unjustly  with  our  own  souls;  and  if  thou  forgive 
us  not,  and  be  not  merciful  unto  us,  we  shall  surely  be  of  those  who 
perish.  God  said.  Get  ye  down,  the  one  of  you  an  enemy  unto  the 
other;  and  ye  shall  have  a  dwelling-place  upon  earth,  and  a  provision 
for  a  season.  He  said,  Therein  shall  ye  live,  and  therein  shall  ye  die, 
and  from  thence  shall  ye  be  taken  forth  at  the  resurrection.  O  children 
of  Adajn,  we  have  sent  down  unto  you  apparel,  to  conceal  your  naked- 
ness, and  fair  garments ;  1  tut  the  clothing  of  piety  is  better.  This  is 
one  of  the  signs  of  God ;  that  peradventure  ye  may  consider.  O  chil- 
dren of  Adam,  let  not  Satan  seduce  you,  as  he  expelled  your  parents 
out  of  paradise,  by  stripping  them  of  their  clothing,  that  he  might 
show  them  their  nakedness:  verily  he  seeth  you,  both  he  and  his 
companions,  whereas  ye  see  not  them.  We  have  appointed  the  devils 
to  be  the  patrons  of  those  wrho  believe  not:  and  when  they  commit  a 
filthy  action,  they  say,  \Ve  found  our  fathers  practising  the  same:  and 
God  hath  commanded  us  to  do  it.  Say,  Verily  Godcommandeth  not 
filthy  actions.  Do  ye  speak  concerning  God  that  which  ye  know 
not?  Say,  My  Lord  hath  commandeth  me  to  observe  justice;  there- 
fore.' set  your  faces  to  pray  at  every  place  of  worship,  and  call  upon 
him,  approving  unto  him  the  sincerity  of  your  religion.  As  he  pro- 
duced you  at  first,  so  unto  him  shall  ye  return.  A  part  of  mankind 
hath  he  directed:  and  a  part  hath  been  justly  led  into  error,  because 
they  have  taken  the  devils  for  their  patrons  besides  God,  and  imagine 
that  they  are  rightly  directed.  O  children  of  Adam,  take  your  de- 
cent apparel  at  every  place  of  worship,  and  eat  and  drink,  but  be  not 
guilty  of  excess;  for  he  loveth  not  those  who  are  guilty  of  excess. 
Say,  \\'ho  hath  forbidden  the  decent  apparel  of  God,  which  he  hath 
produced  for  his  servants,  and  the  good  things  which  he  hath  pro- 
vided for  food?  Say,  These  things  are  for  those  who  believe,  in  this 
present  life,  but  peculiarly  on  the  day  of  resurrection.  Thus  do  we 
distinctly  explain  our  signs  unto  people  who  understand.  Say, 
Verily  my  Lord  hath  forbidden  til  thy  actions,  both  that  which  is  dis- 
covered thereof,  and  that  which  is  concealed,  and  also  iniquity,  and 
unjust  violence;  and  hath  forbidden  you  to  associate  with  GcJ  thai 
concernini:  which  he  hath  sent  you  down  no  authority,  or  to  speak 
of  God  that  which  ye  know  not.  Unto  every  nation  there  is  a  pre- 
fixed term;  therefore  when  their  term  is  expired,  they  shall  not  have 
respite  for  an  hour,  neither  shall  they  be  anticipated.  O  children  of 
A*iaiu,  verily  apostles  from  among  you  shall  come  unto  you,  who 


88  AL  KORAtf. 

shall  expound  my  signs  unto  you:  whosoever  therefore  shall  fear 
God  and  amend,  there  shall  come  no  fear  on  them,  neither  shall  they 
be  grieved.  But  they  who  shall  accuse  our  signs  of  falsehood,  and 
shall  proudly  reject  them,  they  shall  he  the  companions  of  hell  lire-. 
they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever.  And  who  is  more  unjust  than  he 
who  deviseth  a  lie  concerning  God,  or  accuseth  his  signs  of  impos- 
ture? Unto  these  shall  be  given  their  portion  of  worldly  happiness, 
according  to  what  is  written  in  the  book  of  God's  decrees,  until  our 
messengers  come  unto  them,  and  shall  cause  them  to  die;  saying, 
Where  are  the  idols  which  ye  called  upon,  besides  God?  They  shall 
answer,  They  have  disappeared  m»m  us.  And  they  shall  bear  wit- 
ness against,  themselves,  that  they  were  unbelievers.  God  shall  say 
unto  them  at  the  resurrection,  Enter  ye  with  the  nations  which  have 
preceded  you,  of  genii  and  of  men,  into  hell  fire;  so  often  as  one  na- 
tion shall  enter,  it  shall  curse  its  sister,  until  they  shall  all  have  suc- 
cessively entered  therein.  The  latter  of  them  shall  say  of  the  former 
of  them,  O  Lord,  these  have  seduced  us;  therefore  inflict  on  them  a 
double  punishment  of  the  fire  of  hell.  God  shall  answer,  It  shall  be 
doubled  unto  all;  but  ye  know  it  not.  And  the  former  of  them  .-hall 
say  unto  the  latter  of  them,  Ye  have  not  therefore  any  favour  above  us; 
taste  the  punishment  for  that  which  ye  have  gained.  Verily  they 
who  shall  charge  our  signs  with  falsehood,  and  shall  proudly  reject 
them,  the  gates  of  heaven  shall  not  be  opened  unto  them,  neither 
shall  they  enter  into  paradise,  until  a  camel  pass  through  the  eye  of  a 
needle;  and  thus  will  we  reward  the  wicked  doers.  Their  couch  shall 
be  in  hell,  and  over  them  shall  be  coveringsof  fire-,  and  thus  will  we 
reward  the  unjust.  But  they  who  believe  and  do  that  which  is  right 
(we  will  not  load  any  soul  but  according  to  its  ability),  they  shall  be 
the  companions  of  paradise;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  e  XT.  And 
we  will  remove  all  grudges  from  their  minds;  rivers  shall  run  at  t heir- 
feet,  and  they  shall  say,  Praised  be  God,  who  hath  directed  us  unto 
this  felicity!  for  we  should  not  have  been  rightly  directed,  if  God  had 
not  directed  us:  now  are  we  convinced  by  demonstration  t'utt  the 
apostles  of  our  Lord  came  unto  us  with  truth.  And  it  shall  1  e  pro- 
claimed unto  them,  This  is  paradise,  whereof  ye  are  made  heirr,  as  a 
reward  for  that  which  ye  have  wrought,  And  the  inhabitants  of 
paradise  shall  call  out  to  the  inhabitants  of  hell  fire,  saying, 
A"OW  have  we  found  that  which  our  Lord  promised  us  to  be 
true;  have  ye  also  found  that  which  your  Lord  promised  to  be 
true?  They  shall  answer,  Yea.  And  a  crier  shall  proclaim  be- 
tween them.  The  curse  of  God  shall  be  on  the  wicked;  who  turn  men 
aside  from  the  way  of  God,  and  seek  to  render  it  crooked,  and  who 
leny  the  life  to  come.  Ai.d  between  the-  blessed  and  the  damned 
here  shall  be  a  veil;  and  men  shall  stand  on  al  Aral",  who  shall  know 
:very  one  of  them  by  their  marks;  and  shall  call  unto  the  inhabitants 
if  paradise,  saying,  Peace  be  upon  you:  yet  they  >ha;l  not  enter 
herein,  although  they  earnestly  desire*  it.  And  when  the}  »hall  turn 


AL  KORAN.  8? 

their  eyes  towards  the  companions  of  hell  fire,  they  shall  say,  O  Lord, 
place  us  not  with  the  ungodly  people!  And  those  who  stand  on  al 
Araf  shall  call  unto  certain  men,  whom  they  sha.l  know  by  their 
marks,  and  shall  say,  What  hath  your  gathering  of  riches  availed  you, 
and  that  ye  were  puffed  up  with  pride?  Are  these  the  men  on  whom 
ye  sware  that  God  would  not  bestow  mercy?  Enter  ye  into  paradise ; 
there  shall  come  no  fear  on  you,  neither  shall  ye  be  grieved.  And 
the  inhabitants  of  hell  nre  shall  call  unto  the  inhabitants  of  paradise, 
saying,  Pour  upon  us  some  water,  or  of  those  refreshments  which 
God  hath  bestowed  on  you.  They  shall  answer,  Verily  God  hath 
forbidden  them  unto  the  unbelievers;  who  made  a  laughing-stock 
and  a  sport  of  their  religion,  and  whom  the  life  of  the  world  hath  de- 
ceived: therefore  this  day  will  we  forget  them,  as  they  did  forget  the 
meeting  of  this  day,  and  for  that  they  denied  our  signs  to  be  from 
God.  And  now  we  have  brought  unto  those  of  Mecca  a  book  of 
divine  revelations:  we  have  explained  it  with  knowledge;  a  direction 
and  mercy  unto  people  who  shall  believe.  Do  they  wait  for  any 
other  than  the  interpretation  thereof?  On  the  day  whereon  the  inter 
pretation  thereof  shall  come,  they  who  had  forgotten  the  same  before, 
shall  say,  Now  are  we  convinced  by  demonstration  that  the  mes- 
sengers of  our  Lord  came  unto  us  with  truth:  shall  we  therefore  have; 
any  intercessors,  who  will  intercede  for  us?  or  shall  we  be  sent  bacK 
into  the  world,  that  we  may  do  other  works  than  what  we  did  in  our 
lifetime'."  But  now  have  they  lost  their  souls;  and  that  which  they 
impiously  imagined,  hath  fled  from  them.  Verily  your  Lord  is  Goa, 
who  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in  six  days;  and  then  ascended 
his  throne:  he  causeth  the  night  to  cover  the  day;  it  succeedeth  the 
same  swiftly:  lie  also  created  the  sun  and  the  moon,  and  the  stars, 
which  are  absolutely  subject  unto  his  command.  Is  not  the  whole 
creation,  and  the  empire  thereof,  his?  Blessed  be  God,  the  Lord  of 
all  creatures!  Call  upon  your  Lord  humbly  and  in  secret:  for  lie 
loveth  not  those  who  transgress.  And  act  not  corruptly  in  the  earth, 
after  its  reformation,  and  call  upon  him  with  fear  and  desire:  for  the 
piercy  of  God  is  near  unto  the  righteous.  It  's  he  who  sendeth  the 
winds,  spread  abroad  before  his  mercy,  until  they  bring  a  cloud  heavy 
with  rain,  which  we  drive  unto  a  dead  country;  and  we  cause  water 
to  descend  thereon,  by  which  we  cause  all  sorts  of  fruits  to  spring 
forth.  Thus  will  we"  bring  forth  the  dead  from  their  graves;  that 
peradventure  ye  may  consider.  From  a  good  country  shall  its  fruit 
spring  forth  abundantly,  by  the  permission  of  its  Lord;  but  from  the 
land  which  is  had,  it  shall  'not  spring  forth  otherwise  than  scarcely. 
Thus  do  we  explain  the  signs  of  divine  providence  unto  people  who 
are  thankful.  '\Ve  formerly  sent  Noah  unto  his  people:  and  he  said, 

0  my  people,  worship  God*:  ye  have  no  otlier  God  than  him.     Verily 

1  fear  for  the  punishment  of  "the  great  day,     The  chiefs  of  his  people 
answered  him,  We  surely  perceive  thee  to  be  in  a  manifest  error.    He 
replied,  O  my  people,  there  is  no  error  in  me ;  but  I  am  a  messenger 


aa  AL  KORAN. 

from  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  I  bring  unto  you  the  messaged 
of  my  Lord;  and  I  counsel  you  aright:  for  I  know  from  God 
that  which  ye  know  not.  Do  ye  wonder  that  an  admonition 
hath  come  unto  you  from  your  Lord  by  a  man  from  among  you, 
to  warn  you,  that  ye  may  take  heed  to  yourselves,  and  that  per- 
ad venture  ye  may  obtain  mercy?  And  they  accused  him  of  im- 
posture: but  we  delivered  him  and  those  who  were  with  him  in 
the  ark,  and  we  drowned  those  who  charged  our  signs  with  falsehood; 
for  they  were  a  blind  pt  ople.  And  unto  the  tribe  of  Ad  we  sent 
their  brother  Hud.  He  said,  O  my  people  worship  God:  ye  have  no 
other  God  than  him:  will  ye  not  fear  him?  The  chiefs  of  those 
among  his  people  who  believed  not,  answered,  Verily  we  perceive 
that  thou  art  guided  by  folly :  and  we  certainly  esteem  thee  to  be  one 
of  the  liars.  He  replied,  O  my  people,  I  am  not  guided  by  folly; 
but  I  am  a  messenger  unto  you  from  the  Lord  of  all  creatures:  I 
bring  unto  you  the  messages  of  my  Lord;  and  I  am  a  faithful  coun- 
sellor unto  you.  Do  ye  wonder  that  an  admonition  hath  come  unto 
you  from  your  Lord,  by  a  man  from  among  you,  that  he  may  W;UM 
you?  Call  to  mind  how  he  hath  appointed  you  successors  unto  tl  e 
people  of  Noah,  and  hath  added  unto  you  in  stature  largely.  Re- 
member the  benefits  of  God,  that  ye  may  prosper.  They  said,  Ail 
thou  come  unto  us,  that  we  should  worship  God  alone,  and  leave  the 
deities  which  our  fathers  worshipped?  Now  bring  down  that  ju.lg- 
ment  upon  us,  with  which  thou  threatenest  us,  if  thou  speaxest 
truth.  Hud  answered,  Now  shall  there  suddenly  fall  upon  you  from 
your  Lord  vengeance  and  indignation.  Will  ye  dispute  with  me 
concerning  the  names  which  ye  have  named,  and  your  fathers;  as  to 
which  God  hath  not  revealed  unto  you  any  authority?  Do  ye  wait 
therefore,  and  I  will  be  one  of  those  who  wait  with  you.  And  we 
delivered  him,  and  them  who  believed  with  him,  by  our  mercy;  ai.d 
we  cut  off  the  uttermost  part  of  those  who  charged  our  signs  with 
falsehood,  and  were  not  believers.  And  unto  the  tribe  of  Thamf  d 
we  sent  their  brother  Saleh.  He  said,  O  my  people,  worship  God : 
ye  have  no  God  besides  him.  Now  hath  a  manifest  proof  come  un;o 
you  from  your  Lord.  This  she-camel  of  God  is  a  sign  unto  you: 
therefore  dismiss  her  freely,  that  she  may  feed  in  God's  earth;  and 
do  her  no  hurt,  lest  a  painful  punishment  seize  you.  And  call  tc 
mind  how  he  hath  appointed  you  successors  unto  the  tribe  of  Ad,  and 
hath  given  you  a  habitation  on  earth;  ye  build  yourselves  castles  ou 
the  plains  thereof,  and  cut  ou.;  the  mountains  into  houses.  Remem- 
ber therefore  the  benefits  of  God,  commit  not  violence  in  the  earth, 
acting  corruptly.  The  chiefs  among  his  people  who  were  puffed  up 
with  pride,  said  unto  those  who  were  esteemed  weak,  namely,  unto 
those  who  believed  among  them,  Do  ve  know  that  Saleh  hath  been 
sent  from  his  Lord?  They  answered",  We  do  surely  believe  in  that 
wherewith  he  hath  been  sent.  Those  who  were  elated  with  pride 
replied,  Verily  we  believe  not  in  that  wherein  ye  believe.  And  they 


AL  KORAK.  89 

cut  off  the  feet  of  the  camel,  and  insolently  transgressed  the  com- 
mand of  their  Lord,  and  said,  O  Saleh,  cause  that  to  come  upon  us, 
with  which  thou  hast  threatened  us,  if  thou  art  one  of  those  who 
have  been  sent  by  God.  Whereupon  a  terrible  noise  from  heaven 
assailed  them;  and  in  the  morning  they  were  found  in  their  dwellings 
prostrate  on  their  breasts  and  dead.  And  Saleh  departed  from  them, 
and  said,  O  my  people,  now  have  I  delivered  unto  you  the  message 
of  my  Lord;  and  I  advised  you  well,  but  ye  love  not  those  who  ad- 
vise you  well.  And  remember  Lot,  when  he  said  unto  his  people, 
Do  ye  commit  a  wickedness,  wherein  no  creature  hath  set  you  an 
example?  Do  ye  approach  lustfully  unto  men,  leaving  the  women? 
Certainly  ye  are"  people  who  transgress  all  modesty.  But  the  answer 
of  his  people  was  no  other  than  that  they  said  the  one  to  the  other. 
Expel  them  your  city;  for  they  are  men  who  preserve  themselves 
pure  from  the  crimes  which  ye  commit.  Therefore  we  delivered 
him  and  his  family,  except  his  wife;  she  was  one  of  those  who 
stayed  behind :  and  we  rained  a  shower  of  stones  upon  them.  Behold 
therefore  what  wa<  the  end  of  the  wicked.  And  unto  Madian  we 
sent  their  brother  Shoaib.  He  said  unto  them,  O  my  people,  worship 
God;  ye  have  no  God  besides  him.  Now  hath  an  evident  demonstra- 
tion come  unto  you  from  your  Lord.  Therefore  give  full  measure 
and  just  weight,  and  diminish  not  unto  men  ought  of  their  matters; 
neither  act  corruptly  in  the  earth,  after  its  reformation.  This  will  be 
better  for  you,  if  ye  Delieve.  And  beset  not  every  way,  threatening 
the  passenger:  and  turning  aside  from  the  path  of  God  him  who  be- 
lieveth  in  him,  and  seeking  to  make  it  crooked.  And  remember, 
when  ye  were  few,  ard  God  multiplied  you:  and  behold,  what  hath 
been  the  end  of  those  who  acted  corruptly.  And  if  part  of  you 
believeth  that  wherewith  I  am  sent,  and  part  believe  not,  wait 
patiently  until  God  judge  between  us;  for  he  is  the  best  judge.  (IX.) 
The  chiefs  of  his  people,  who  were  elated  with  pride,  answered,  We 
will  sureiy  cast  tiiee,  O  Shoaib,  and  those  wrho  believe  with  thee,  out 
of  our  city;  or  else  thou  shall  certainly  return  unto  our  religion. 
He  siM.  What,  though  we  be  averse  thereto?  We  shall  surely  im- 
agine a  iie  against  God.  if  we  return  unto  your  religion,  after  that  God 
ha'h  delivered  us  from  the  same:  and  we  have  no  reason  to  return 
uu',0  it,  unless  God  our  Lord  shall  please  to  abandon  us.  Our  Lord 
Comprehendeth  everything  by  his  knowledge.  In  God  do  we  put 
our  trust.  O  Lord,  do  thou  judge  between  us  and  our  nation  with, 
truth,  for  thou  art  the  best  judge.  And  the  chiefs  of  his  people, 
who  beiieved  not.  said.  If  ye.  follow  Shoaib,  ye  shall  surely  perish. 
Therefore  a  storm  from  heaven  assailed  them,  and  in  the  morning 
they  were  found  in  their  dwellings  dead  and  prostrate.  They  who 
accused  Shoaib  of  imposture  became  as  though  they  had  never 
dwelt  therein;  they  who  accused  Shoaib  of  imposture  perished  them- 
selves. And  he  departed  from  them,  and  said,  O  my  people,  now 
have  I  performed  unto  you  the  messages  of  my  Lord;  and  I  ad- 


90  AL  KORAN. 

vised  you  aright:  but  why  should  I  be  grieved  for  an  unbelieving 
people?  We  have  never  sent  any  prophet  unto  a  city,  but  we  attlic- 
ted  the  inhabitants  thereof  with  calamity  and  adversity,  that  they 
might  humble  themselves.  Then  Ave  gave  them  in  exchange  good  in 
lieu  of  evil,  until  they  abounded,  and  said,  Adversity  and  prosperity 
formerly  happened  unto  our  fathers,  as  unto  us.  Therefore  we  took 
vengeance  on  them  suddenly,  and  they  perceived  it  not  beforehand. 
But  if  the  inhabitants  of  those  cities  had  believed  and  feared  God, 
we  would  surely  have  opened  to  them  blessings  both  from  heaven 
and  earth.  But  they  charged  our  apostles  with  falsehood;  wherefore 
we  took  vengeance  on  them,  for  that  which  they  had  been  guilty  of. 
Were  the  inhabitants  therefore  of  those  cities  secure  that  our  punish- 
ment should  not  fall  on  them  by  night,  while  they  slept?  Or  were 
the  inhabitants  of  those  cities  secure  that  our  punishment  should  not 
fall  on  them  by  day,  while  they  sported?  Were  they  therefore  se- 
cure from  the  stratagem  of  God?  But  none  will  think  himself 
secure  from  the  stratagem  of  God,  except  the  people  who  perish. 
And  hath  it  not  manifestly  appeared  unto  those  who  have  inherited 
the  earth  after  the  former  inhabitants  thereof,  that,  if  we  please,  we 
can  afflict  them  for  their  sins?  But  we  willjseal  up  their  hearts:  and 
they  shall  not  hearken.  We  will  relate  unto  thee  some  stories  of 
these  cities.  Their  apostles  had  come  unto  them  with  evident  mira- 
cles, but  they  were  not  disposed  to  believe  in  that  which  they  had 
before  gainsaid.  Thus  will  God  seal  up  the  hearts  of  the  unbelievers. 
And  we  found  not  in  the  greater  part  of  them  any  observance  of 
their  covenant;  but  we  found  the  greater  part  of  them  wicked  doers. 
Then  we  sent,  after  the  above-named  apostles,  Moses  with  our  signs 
unto  Pharaoh  and  his  princes;  who  treated  them  unjustly:  but  be- 
hold what  was  the  end  of  the  corrupt  doers.  And  Mosc>  said,  O 
Pharaoh,  verily  I  am  an  apostle  sent  from  the  Lord  of  all  creatures. 
It  is  just  that  1  should  not  speak  of  God  other  than  the  truth.  Now 
am  I  come  unto  you  with  an  evident  sign  from  your  Lord:  ser.d 
therefore  the  children  of  Israel  away  with  me.  Pharaoh  answered, 
If  thou  comest  with  a  sign,  produce  it,  if  thou  speakcst  truth. 
Wherefore  he  cast  down  his  rod;  and  behold,  it  became  a  visible  ser- 
pent. And  he  drew  forth  his  hand  out  of  bis  bosom;  and  behold,  it 
appeared  white  unto  the  spectators.  The  chiefs  of  the  people  of 
Pharaoh  said,  This  man  is  certainly  an  expert  magician:  he  secketh 
to  dispossess  you  of  your  land;  what  therefore  do  ye  direct?  They 
answered,  Put  off  him  and  his  brother  by  fair  promises  for  some 
time,  and  in  the  meanwhile  .-end  unto  the  cities  persons  who  may 
:I-M  inble  and  bring  unto  thee  every  -.-Xpert  magician,  So  the  magi- 
cians came  unto  Pharaoh:  and  they  said.  Shall  we  surely  receive  a 
reward,  if  we  do  overcome':  I-e  answered,  Yta;  and  ye  shall  cer- 
tainly be  of  those  who  approach  near  unto  my  throne.  They  said, 
O  Moses,  either  do  thou  cast  down  thy  rod  first,  or  we  will  cast  down 
ours.  Moses  answered,  Do  ye  cast  down  your  rods  first.  And  when 


AL  KORAN.  91 

they  had  cast  them  down,  they  enchanted  the  eyes  of  the  men  who 
were  present,  and  terrified  them;  and  they  performed  a  great  "ii- 
2hantment.  And  we  spake  by  revelation  unto  Moses,  saying,  Throw 
down  thy  rod.  And  behold,  it  swallowed  up  the  rods  which  they 
had  caused  falsely  to  appear  changed  into  serpents.  Wherefore  the 
truth  was  continued,  and  that  which  they  had  wrought  vanished. 
And  Pharaoh  and  his  man: ::ians  were  overcome  there,  and1  were  ren- 
dered contemptible.  And  the  mairici.ans  prostrated  themselves,  wor- 
shipping: and  they  -aid.  We  believe  in  the  Lord  of  all  creatures,  the 
Lord  of  M'-ses  and  Aaron.  Pharaoh  said.  Have  ye  believed  on  him, 
before  I  have  given  you  permission'.'  Verily  this  is  a  plot  which  ye 
have  contrived  in  the  city,  that  ye  might  cast  forth  from  thence  the 
inhabitants  thereof.  But  ye  shall  surely  know  that  I  am  your  mas- 
ter; for  I  will  cause  your  hands  and  your  feet  to  be  cut  off  on  the 
opposite  sides,  then  will  I  cause  you  ail  to  be  crucified.  The  magi- 
cians answered,  We  shall  certainly  return  unto  our  Lord,  in  the  next 
life ;  for  thou  takest  vengeance  on  us  only  because  we  have  believed 
in  the  signs  of  our  Lord,  when  they  have  come  unto  us.  O  Lord 
pour  on  us  patience,  and  cause  us  to  die  Moslems.  And  the  chiefs 
of  Pharaoh's  people  said,  Wilt  thou  let  Moses  and  his  people  go,  that 
they  may  act  corruptly  in  the  earth,  and  leave  thee  and  thy  gods? 
Pharaoh  answered,  We  will  cause  their  male  children  to  be  slain  and 
we  will  suffer  their  females  to  live;  and  by  that  means  we  shall  pre- 
vail over  them.  Moses  said  unto  his  people,  Ask  assistance  of  God, 
and  suffer  patiently;  for  the  earth,  is  God's,  he  giveth  it  for  an  inher- 
itance unto  such  of  his  servants  as  he  pleaseth:  and  the  prosperous 
end  shall  be  unto  those  who  fear  him.  They  answered.  We  have 
been  afflicted  by  having  our  male  children  slain,  before  thou  earnest 
unto  us,  and  also  since  thou  hast  come  unto  us.  Moses  said,  Perad- 
venture  it  may  happen  that  your  Lord  will  destroy  your  enemy,  and 
will  cause  you  to  succeed  him  in  the  earth,  that  he  may  see  how  ye 
will  act  therein.  And  we  formerly  punished  the  people  of  Pharaoh 
with  dearth  and  scarcity  of  fruits,  that  they  might  be  warned.  Yet 
when  good  happened  unto  them,  they  said,  This  is  owing  unto  us: 
but  if  evil  befell  them,  they  attributed  the  same  to  the  ill  luck  of 
Moses,  and  those  who  were  with  him.  Was  not  their  ill  luck  with 
God?  but  most  of  them  knew  it  not.  And  they  said  unto  Moses, 
Whatever  sign  thou  show  unto  us,  to  enchant  us  therewith,  we  will 
not  believe  on  thee.  Wherefore  we  sent  upon  them  a  flood,  and 
locusts,  and  lice,  and  frogs,  and  blood;  distinct  miracles:  but  they 
behaved  proudlv.  and  became  a  wicked  people.  And  when  the 
pla.uue  fell  on  them.  the\  -aid.  ()  Moses,  entreat  thy  Lord  for  us,  ac- 
cording to  thai  which  he  hath  covenanted  with  thee:  verily  if  thou 
take  the  plague  from  off  us,  we  will  surely  believe  thee,  and  we  will 
let  the  children  of  Israel  go  with  thee.  But  when  we  had  taken  the 
plague  from  off  them,  until  the  term  which  God  had  granted  them 
was  expired,  behold,  they  broke  their  promise.  Wherefore  we  took 


te  AL  KORAN. 

vengeance  on  them,  and  drowned  them  in  the  Red  Sea;  because  they 
charged  our  signs  with  falsehood,  and  neglected  them.  And  we 
caused  the  people  who  had  been  rendered  weak,  to  inherit  the  eastern 
parts  of  the  earth  and  the  western  parts  thereof,  which  we  blessed 
.vith  fertility;  and  the  gracious  word  of  thy  Lord  was  fulfilled  on 
the  children  of  Israel,  for  that  they  had  endured  with  patience:  and 
we  destroyed  the  structures  which  Pharaoh  and  his  people  had  made, 
and  that  which  they  had  erected.  And  we  caused  the  children  of 
Israel  to  pass  through  the  sea,  and  they  came  unto  a  people  who 
gave  themselves  up  to  the  worship  of  their  idols:  and  the}'  said,  O 
Moses,  make  us  a  god  in  like  manner  as  these  people  have  gods. 
Moses  answered,  Verily  ye  are  an  ignorant  people:  for  the  religion 
which  these  follow  will  be  destroyed,  and  that  which  they  do  is 
vain.  He  said,  Shall  I  seek  for  you  any  other  god  than  God*:  since 
he  hath  preferred  you  to  the  rest  of  the  world?  And  remember  when 
we  delivered  you 'from  the  people  of  Pharaoh,  who  grievously  op- 
pressed you;  they  slew  your  male  children,  and  let  your  females 
live:  therein  was  a  great  trial  from  your  Lord.  And  we  appointed 
unto  Moses  a  fast  of  thirty  nights  before  we  gave  him  the  law.  and 
we  completed  them  by  adding  of  ten  more;  and  the  stated  time  of 
his  Lord  was  fulfilled  in  forty  nights.  And  Moses  said  unto  his 
brother  Aaron,  Be  thou  my  deputy  among  my  people  during  my 
absence;  and  behave  uprightly,  and  follow  not  the  way  of  the  corrupt 
doers.  And  when  Moses  came  at  our  appointed  time,  and  his  Lord 
spake  unto  him,  he  said,  O  Lord,  Show  me  thy  glory,  that  I  may 
behold  thee.  God  answered,  Thou  shalt  in  no  wise  behold  me; 
but  look  towards  the  mountain,  and  if  it  stand  firm  in  its  place,  then 
shalt  thou  see  me.  But  when  his  Lord  appeared  with  glory  in  the 
mount,  he  reduced  it  to  dust.  And  Moses  fell  down  in  a  swoon. 
And  when  he  came  to  himself,  he  said,  Praise  be  unto  thee!  I  turn 
unto  thee  with  repentance,  and  I  am  the  first  of  true  believers.  God 
said  unto  him,  O  Moses,  I  have  chosen  thee  above  all  men.  liy  honour- 
ing thee  with  my  commissions,  and  by  my  speaking  unto  thee:  receive 
therefore  that  which  I  have  brought  thee.  and  be  one  of  those  \\  lio  uivc 
thanks.  And  we  wrote  for  him  on  the  tables  an  admonition  concern- 
ing even'  matter,  and  a  decision  in  every  ca<e,  and  said.  Receive  t\iit 
with  reverence;  and  command  thy  people  that  they  live  according  to 
the  most  excellent  precepts  thereof.  I  will  show  you  the  dwelling  of 
the  wicked.  I  will  turn  aside  from  my  signs  those  who  behave  them 
selves  proudly  in  the  earth,  without  justice:  and  although  they  see 
every  sign,  yet  they  shall  not  believe  therein ;  and  although  they  see 
the  way  of  righteousness,  yet  they  shall  not  take  that  way;  but  if 
they  seethe  way  of  error,  they  shall  take  that  way.  This  shall  come 
to  pass  because  'they  accuse  our  signs  of  imposture,  and  neglect  the 
same.  But  as  for  them  who  deny  the  truth  of  our  signs  and  the  meet- 
ing of  the  life  to  come,  their  works  shall  be  vain:  shall  they  be  re- 
warded otherwise  than  according  to  what  they  shah1  have  wrought? 


AL  KORAN.  93 

And  the  people  of  Moses,  after  his  departure,  took  a  corporeal  calf, 
made  of  their  ornaments,  which  lowed.  Did  they  not  see  that  it  spake 
not  unto  them,  neither  directed  them  in  the  way?  yet  they  took  it  for 
their  god,  and  acted  wickedly.  But  when  they  repented  with  sorrow, 
and  saw  that  they  had  gone  astray,  they  said.  Verily  if  our  Lord  have 
not  mercy  upon  us,  and  forgive  us  not,  we  shall  certainly  become  of 
the  number  of  those  who  perish.  And  when  Moses  returned  unto  his 
people,  full  of  wrath  and  indignation,  he  said,  An  evil  thing  is  it  that 
ye  have  committed  after  my  departure;  have  ye  hastened  the  com- 
mand of  your  Lord?  And  lie  threw  down  the  tables,  and  took  his 
brother  by  the  hair  of  the  head,  and  dragged  him  unto  him.  And 
Aaron  said  unto  him,  Son  ot  my  mother,  Verily  the  people  prevailed 
against  me,  audit  wanted  little  but  they  had  slain  me:  make  not  my 
enemies  thcr  fo:e  to  rejoice  over  n:e,  neither  place  me  with  the  wicked 
people.  Moses  said,  O  Lord,  forgive  me  and  my  brother,  and  receive 
us  into  thy  mercy:  for  hum  art  Hie  most  merciful  of  those  who  exer- 
cise mercy.  Verily  as  for  them  who  took  the  calf  for  their  god,  in- 
dignation shall  overtake  them  from  their  Lord,  and  ignominy  in  this 
life:  thus  will  we.  reward  those,  who  imagine  falsehood.  But  unto 
them  who  do  evil,  and  afterwards  repent  and  believe  in  God,  verily 
the  Lord  will  thereafter  be  clement  and  merciful.  And  when  the 
anger  of  Moses  was  appeased,  he  took  the  tables;  and  in  what  was 
written  thereon  was  a  direction  and  mercy  unto  those  who  feared  their 
Lord.  And  Moses  chose  out  of  his  people  seventy  men,  to  go  up  with 
him  to  the  mountain  at  the  time  appointed  by  us.  and  when  a  storm 
of  thunder  and  lightning  h;id  taken  them  away,  he  said,  O  Lord,  if 
thou  hadst  pleased,  thou  hadst  destroyed  them  before,  and  me  also; 
wilt  thou  destroy  us  for  that  which  the  foolish  men  among  us  have 
committed?  This  is  only  thy  trial ;  thou  wilt  thereby  lead  into  error 
whom  thou  pleases,,  and  thou  wilt  direct  whom  thou  pleasest.  Thou 
art  our  protector,  therefore  forgive  us.  and  be  merciful  unto  us;  for 
thou  art  the  best  of  those;  who  forgive.  And  write  down  for  us  good 
in  this  world,  and  in  the  life  to  come;  for  unto  thee  are  we  directed. 
God  answered,  I  will  inflict  my  punishment  on  whom  I  please;  and 
my  mercy  extendeth  over  all  things:  and  I  will  write  down  good 
unto  those  who  shall  fear  me,  and  give  alms,  and  who  shall  believe 
in  our  signs;  who  shall  follow  the  apostle,  the  illiterate  prophet, 
whom  they  shall  find  written  down  with  them  in  the  law  and  the 
gospel:  he  will  command  them  that  which  is  just,  and  will  forbid 
them  that  which  is  evil;  and  will  allow  unto  them  as  lawful 
the  good  things  which  were  before  forbidden,  and  will  prohibit 
tho>e  which  are  bad;  and  he  will  ease  them  of  their  heavy  burden, 
and  of  the  yokes  which  were  upon  them.  And  those  who  believe- 
on  him,  and  honour  him,  and  assist  him,  and  follow  the  light 
which  hath  been  sent  down  with  him,  shall  be  happy.  Say,  O 
men,  Verily  I  am  the  messenger  of  God  unto  you  all:  unto  him 
belongeth  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth;  there  is  no  God 


94  AL  KORAX. 

but  he;  he  giveth  life,  and  he  causeth  to  die.  Believe  there 
fore  in  God  and  his  apostle,  the  illiterate  prophet,  who  believeth 
in  God  and  his  word;  and  follow  him,  that  ye  may  be  rightly 
directed.  Of  the  people  of  Moses  there  is  a  party  who  direct  others 
with  truth,  and  act  justly  according  to  the  same.  And  we  divided 
them  into  twelve  tribes,  as  into  so  many  nations.  And  we  spake  by 
revelation  unto  Moses,  when  his  people  asked  drink  of  him,  and  we 
said,  Strike  the  rock  with  thy  rod;  and  there  gushed  thereout  twelve 
fountains,  and  men  knew  their  respective  driuking-place.  And  we 
caused  clouds  to  overshadow  them,  and  manna  and  quails  to  descend 
upon  them,  saying.  Eat  of  the  good  things  which  we  have  given  you 
for  food:  and  they  injured  not  us,  but  they  injured  their  own  souls 
And  call  to  mind  when  it  was  said  unto  them.  Dwell  in  this  city,  and 
eat  of  the  provisions  thereof  wherever  ye  will,  and  say,  Forgiv 
and  enter  the  gate  worshipping:  we  will  pardon  you* your  sins,  and 
will  give  increase  unto  the  well-doers.  But  they 'who  were  ungodly 
among  them  changed  the  expression  into  another*  which  had  not  been 
spoken  unto  them.  Wherefore  we  sent  down  upon  them  indignation 
from  heaven,  because  they  had  transgressed.  And  ask  them  concern- 
ing the  city,  which  was  situate  on  the  sea,  when  they  transgre-M-d  on 
the  sabbath  day:  when  their  fish  came  unto  them  on  their  sabbath 
day,  appearing  openly  on  the  water;  but  on  the  day  whereon  they 
celebrated  no  sabbath,  they  came  not  unto  them.  Thus  did  we  prove 
them,  because  they  were  wicked  doers.  And  when  a  party  of  them 
said  unto  the  others,  "Why  do  ye  warn  a  people  whom  God  will  de- 
stroy, or  will  punish  with  a  grievous  punishment?  They  answered. 
This  is  an  excuse  for  us  unto  your  Lord;  and  peradventure  they  will 
beware.  But  when  they  had"  forgotten  the  admonitions  which  had 
been  given  them,  we  delivered  those  who  forbade  them  to  do  evil ; 
ar.d  we  inflicted  on  those  who  had  transgre^ed.  a  severe  punishment, 
because  they  had  acted  wickedly.  And  when  they  proudly  r. 
to  desist  from  what  had  been  forbidden  them,  we  said  unto  them.  Be 
ye  transformed  into  apes,  driven  away  from  the  society  of  men.  Ai.-i 
remember  when  thy  Lord  declared  that  he  would  surely  send  again>t 
the  Jews,  until  the  day  of  resurrection,  some  nation  who  should 
afflict  them  with  a  grievous  oppression;  for  thy  Lord  is  swift  in  pun- 
ishing, and  he  is  also  ready  to  forgive  and  merciful :  and  we  di>; 
them  among  the  nations  in  the  earth.  Some  of  them  are  upright  per 
sons,  and  some  of  them  are  otherwise.  And  we  proved  them  with 
prosperity  and  with  adversity,  that  they  might  return  from  their  dis- 
obedience: and  a  succession  of  their  posterity  hath  succeeded  after 
them,  who  have  inherited  the  book  of  the  law,  who  receive  the  tem- 
poral goods  of  this  world,  and  say,  It  will  surely  be  forgiven  us:  aud 
if  a  temporal  advantage  like  the  former  be  offe'red  them,  they  accept 
it  also.  Is  not  the  covenant  of  the  book  of  the  law  established  with 
them,  that  they  should  not  speak  of  God  ought  but  the  truth?  Yet 
they  diligently  read  that  which  is  therein.  But  the  enjoyment  of  the 


AL  KORAN.  95 

next  life  will  be  better  for  those  who  fear  God  than  the  wicked  gains 
of  these  people  (Dove  not  therefore  understand?)  and  for  those  who 
hold  fast  the  book  of  the  law,  and  are  constant  at  prayer:  for  we  will 
by  no  means  suffer  the  reward  of  the  righteous  to  perish.  And  when 
we  shook  the  mountain  of  Sinai  over  them,  as  though  it  had  been  a 
covering,  and  they  imagined  that  it  was  falling  upon  them ;  and  we 
said,  Receive  the  law  which  we  have  brought  you,  with  reverence; 
and  remember  that  which  is  contained  therein,  that  ye  may  take  heed. 
And  when  thy  Lord  drew  forth  their  posterity  from  the  loins  of  tho 
sons  of  Adam,  and  took  them  to  witness  against  themselves,  sayi:ig, 
Am  not  I  your  Lord?  They  answered,  Yea:  we  do  bear  witness. 
This  was  done  lest  ye  should  say,  at  the  day  of  resurrection,  Verily 
we  were  negligent  as  to  this  matter,  because  wre  were  not  apprised 
thereof;  or  lest  ye  should  say,  Verily  our  fathers  were  formerly  guilty 
of  idolatry,  and  we  are  their  posterity  who  have  succeeded  them;  wilt 
thou  therefore  destroy  us  for  that  which  vain  men  have  committed? 
Thus  do  we  explain  our  signs,  that  they  may  return  from  their  vanities. 
And  relate  unto  the  Jews  the  history  of  him  unto  whom  we  brought 
our  signs,  and  he  departed  from  them;  wherefore  Satan  followed  him, 
and  lie  became  one  of  those  who  were  seduced.  And  if  we  bad 
pleased,  we  had  surely  raised  him  thereby  unto  wisdom;  but  he  in- 
clined unto  the  earth,  and  followed  his  own  desire.  Wherefore  his 
likeness  is  as  the  likeness  of  a  dog,  which,  if  thou  drive  him  away, 
put teth  forth  his  tongue,  or,  if  thou  let  him  alone,  putteth  forth  his 
tongue  also.  This  is  the  likeness  of  the  people  who  accuse  our  .sign?, 
of  falsehood.  Rehearse  therefore  this  history  unto  them,  that  they 
may  consider.  Evil  is  the  similitude  of  those  people  who  accuse  our 
signs  of  falsehood  and  injure  their  own  souls.  Whomsoever  God 
shall  direct,  lie  will  be  rightly  directed;  and  whomsoever  he  sht.il  1 
lead  astray,  they  shall  perish.  Moreover  we  have  created  for  hell 
many  of  the  genii  and  of  men;  they  have  hearts  by  which  they  un- 
derstand not,  and  they  have  eyes  by  which  they  see  not,  and  they 
have  ears  by  which  they  hear  not.  These  are  like  the  brute  beasts; 
yea,  they  go  more  astray:  these  are  the  negligent.  God  hath  most 
excellent  names:  therefore  call  on  him  by  the  same ;  and  withdraw 
from  those  who  use  his  names  perversely:  they  shall  be  rewarded  for 
that  which  they  shall  have  wrought.  And  of  those  whom  we  have 
created  there  are  a  people  who  direct  others  with  truth,  and  act 
justly  according  thereto.  But  those  who  devise  lies  against  our  signs, 
we  will  suffer  them  to  fall  gradually  into  ruin,  by  a  method  which 
they  know  not:  and  I  will  grant  them  to  enjoy  a  long  and  prosperous 
life;  for  my  stratagem  is  effectual.  Do  they  not  consider  that  there 
is  no  devil  in  their  companion?  He  is  no  other  than  a  public 
preacher.  Or  do  they  not  contemplate  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  the  things  which  God  hath  created;  and  consider  that 
pcradventure  it  may  be  that  their  end  draweth  nigh?  And  in  what 
uc\v  declaration  will  they  believe,  after  this?  He  whom  God  shall 


96  AL  KORAN. 

cause  to  err,  shall  have  no  director;  and  he  shall  leave  them  in  their 
impiety,  wandering  in  confusion.  They  will  ask  thee  concerning  the 
last  hour;  at  what  time  its  coming  is  fixed?  Answer,  Verily  the 
knowledge  thereof  is  with  my  Lord;  none  shall  declare  the  fixed  time 
thereof,  except  he.  The  expectation  thereof  is  grievous  in  h.?aven  and 
on  earth:  it  shall  come  upon  you  no  otherwise  than  suddenly.  They 
will  ask  thee,  as  though  thou  wast  well  acquainted  therewith.  An- 
swer, Verily  the  knowledge  thereof  is  with  God  alone:  hut  the  greater 
part  of  men  know  it  not.  Say,  I  am  able  neither  to  procure  advan- 
tage unto  myself,  nor  to  avert  mischief  from  me,  hut  as  God  pleaseth. 
If  I  knew  the  secrets  of  God,  I  should  surely  enjoy  abundance  of 
good,  neither  should  evil  befall  me.  Verily  I  am  no  other  than  a  de- 
nouncer of  threats,  and  a  messenger  of  good  tidings  unto  people  who 
believe.  It  is  he  who  hath  created  you  from  one  person,  and  out  of 
him  produced  his  wife,  that  he  might  dwell  with  her;  and  when  he 
had  known  her,  she  carried  a  light  burden  for  a  time,  wherefore  she 
•\va!ked  easily  therewith.  But  when  it  became  more  heavy,  they 
called  upon  God,  their  Lord,  saying,  If  thou  give  us  a  child  rightly 
shaped,  we  will  surely  be  thankful.  Yet  when  he  had  given  them 
a  child  rightly  shaped,  they  attributed  companions  unto  him, 
for  that  which  he  had  given  them.  But  far  be  that  from  God, 
which  they  associated  with  him!  Will  they  associate  with  him 
false  gods  which  create  nothing,  but  are  themselves  created;  and  can 
neither  give  them  assistance,  nor  help  themselves?  And  if  ye  invite 
them  to  the  true  direction,  they  will  not  follow  you:  it  will  be  equal 
unto  you,  whether  ye  invite  them,  or  whether  ye  hold  your 
peace.  Verily  the  false  deities  whom  ye  invoke  besides  God,  are 
servants  like  unto  you.  Call  therefore  upon  them,  and  let  them  give 
you  an  answer,  if  ye  speak  truth.  Have  they  feet,  to  walk  with? 
Or  have  they  hands,  to  lay  hold  with?  Or  have  they  eyes,  to  see 
with?  Or  have  they  ears,  to  hear  with?  Say,  Call  upon  your  com- 
panions, and  then  lay  a  snare  for  me.  and  defer  it  not;  for  God  is  my 
protector.who  sent  down  the  book  of  the  Koran;  and  he  protecteth 
the  righteous.  But  they  whom  ye  invoke  besides  him,  cannot  assist 
you,  neither  do  they  help  themselves;  and  if  ye  call  on  them  to  direct 
you,  they  will  not"  hear.  Thou  seest  them  look  towards  thee,  but 
they  see  not.  Use  indulgence,  and  command  that  which  is  just,  and 
withdraw  far  from  the  ignorant.  And  if  an  evil  suggestion  from 
Satan  be  suggested  unto  thee,  to  divert  thee  from  thy  duty,  have  re- 
course unto  God;  for  he  heareth  and  knoweth.  Verily  they  who 
fear  God,  when  a  temptation  from  Satan  assailcth  iheni.  remember 
the  divine  commands,  and  behold,  they  clearly  see  the  danger  of  sin. 
and  the  wiles  cf  the  devil.  But  as  for  the  brethren  of  the  devils, 
they  shall  continue  them  in  error;  and  afterwards  they  shall  not  pre- 
serve themselves  therefrom.  And  when  thou  bringest  not  a  ver-e  of 
!!)(•_  Koran  unto  them, they  say,  Hast  thou  not  put  it  together?  Answer. 
1  follow  thit  only  which  is  revealed  unto  me  from  iny  Lord.  This 


AL  KORAN.  97 

containeth.  evident  proofs  from  your  Lord,  and  is  a  direction 
8L.J  mercy  unto  people  who  believe.  And  when  the  Koran  is  read, 
attend  thereto,  and  keep  silence ;  that  ye  may  obtain  mercy.  And 
meditate  on  thy  Lord  in  thine  own  mind,  with  humility  and  fear, 
and  without  loud  speaking,  evening  and  morning;  and  be  not  one  of 
the  negligent.  Moreover  the  angels  who  are  with  my  Lord,  do  not 
proudly  disdain  his  service,  but  they  celebrate  his  praise  and  wor- 
ship him. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

ENTITLED,   THE  SPOILS;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THEY  will  ask  thee  concerning  the  spoils:  Answer,  The  division  of 
the  spoils  belongeth  unto  God  and  the  apostle.  Therefore  fear  God, 
and  compose  the  matter  amicably  among  you;  and  obey  God  and 
his  apostle,  if  ye  are  true  believers.  Verily  the  true  believers  are 
those  whose  hearts  fear  when  God  is  mentioned,  and  whose  faith  in- 
creasetb  when  his  signs  are  rehearsed  unto  them,  and  wrho  trust  in 
their  Lord;  who  observe  the  stated  times  of  prayer,  and  give  alms  out 
of  that  which  we  have  bestowed  on  them.  These  are  really  believers: 
they  shall  have  superior  degrees  of  felicity  with  their  Lord,  and  for- 
giveness, and  an  honourable  provision.  As  thy  Lord  brought  thee 
forth  from  thy  house,  with  truth;  and  part  of  the  believers  were 
averse  to  thy  directions:  they  disputed  with  thee  concerning  the 
truth,  after  it  had  been  made  known  unto  them;  no  otherwise  than  as 
if  they  had  been  led  forth  to  death,  and  had  seen  it  with  their  eyes. 
And  cail  to  mind  when  God  promised  you  one  of  the  two  parties, 
that  it  should  be  delivered  unto  you;  and  ye  desired  that  the  party 
which  was  not  furnished  with  arms  should  be  delivered  unto  you: 
but  God  purposed  to  make  known  the  truth  in  his  words,  and  to  cut 
off  the  uttermost  part  of  the  unbelievers;  that  he  might  verify  the 
truth,  and  destroy  falsehood,  although  the  wicked  were  averse  there- 
to. When  ye  asked  assistance  of  your  Lord,  and  he  answered  you, 
Verily  I  will  assist  you  with  a  thousand  angels,  following  one  another 
in  order.  And  this  God  designed  only  as  good  tidings  for  you,  and 
that  your  hearts  might  thereby  rest  secure:  for  victory  is  from  God 
alone ;  and  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  When  a  sleep  fell  on  you  as  a 
security  from  him,  and  he  sent  down  upon  you  water  from  heaven, 
that  he  might  thereby  purify  you,  and  take  from  you  the  abomination 
of  Satan,  and  that  he  might  confirm  your  hearts,  and  establish  your 
feet  thereby.  Also  when  thy  Lord  spake  unto  the  angel,  saying. 
Verily  I  am  with  you;  wherefore  confirm  those  who  believe.  1  will 
cast  a  dread  into  the  hearts  of  the  unbelievers.  Therefore  strike  off 
their  heads,  and  strike  off  all  the  ends  of  their  fingers.  This  shall 


98  AL  KORAK 

they  suffer,  because  they  have  resisted  God  and  his  apostle :  and  who- 
soever shall  oppose  God  and  his  apostle,  verily  God  will  be  severe  in 
punishing  him.  This  shall  be  your  punishment;  taste  it  therefore; 
and  the  infidels  shall  also  suffer  the  torment  of  hell  fire.  O  true  be- 
lievers, when  ye  meet  the  unbelievers  marching  in  great  numbers 
against  you,  turn  not  your  backs  unto  them :  for  whoso  shall  turn  his 
back  unto  them  on  that  day,  unless  he  turneth  aside  to  fight,  or  re- 
treateth  to  another  party  of  the  faithful,  shall  draw  on  himself  the 
indignation  of  God,  and  his  abode  shall  be  hell;  an  ill  journey  shall 
it  be  thither!  And  ye  slew  not  those  who  were  slain  at  Bedr  your- 
selves, but  God  slew  them.  Neither  didst  thou,  O  Mohammed,  casl 
the  gravel  into  their  eyes,  when  thou  didst  seem  to  cast  it;  but  God 
cast  it,  that  he  might  prove  the  true  believers  by  a  gracious  trial  from 
himself;  for  God  heareth  and  knoweth.  This  was  done  that  God 
might  also  weaken  the  crafty  devices  of  the  unbelievers.  If  ye  desire 
a  decision  of  the  matter  between  us,  now  hath  a  decision  come  unto 
you :  and  if  ye  desist  from  opposing  the  apostle,  it  will  be  better  for 
you.  But  if  ye  return  to  attack  him,  we  will  also  return  to  his  assist- 
ance ;  and  your  forces  shall  not  be  of  advantage  unto  you  at  all,  al- 
though they  be  numerous;  for  God  is  with  the  faithful.  O  true  be- 
lievers, obey  God  and  his  apostle,  and  turn  not  b;u  k  from  him,  since 
ye  hear  the  admonitions  of  the  Koran.  And  be  i.ot  as  those  who 
say,  We  hear,  when  they  do  not  hear.  Verily  the  worst  sort  of 
beasts  in  the  sight  of  God,  are  the  deaf  and  the  dumb,  who  understand 
not.  If  God  had  known  any  good  in  them,  he  would  certainly  have 
caused  them  to  hear:  and  if  he  had  caused  them  to  hear,  they  would 
surety  have  turned  back,  and  have  retired  afar  off.  O  true  believers, 
answer  God  and  his  apostle,  when  he  inviteth  you  unto  that  which 
giveth  you  life;  and  know  that  God  goeth  between  a  man  and  his 
heart,  and  that  before  him  ye  shall  be  assembled.  Beware  of  sedi- 
tion; it  will  not  affect  those  who  are  ungodly  among  you  particularly, 
but  all  of  you  in  general ;  and  know  that  God  is  severe  in  punishing. 
And  remember  when  ye  were  few,  and  reputed  weak  in  the  land; 
ye  feared  lest  men  should  snatch  you  away;  but  God  provided  you 
a  place  of  refuge,  and  he  strengthened  you  with  his  assistance,  and 
bestowed  on  you  good  things,  that  ye  might  give  thanks.  O  true 
believers,  deceive  not  God  and  his  apostle;  neither  violate  your 
faith,  against  your  own  knowledge.  And  know  that  your  wealth, 
and  your  children  are  a  temptation  unto  you;  and  that  with  God  is 
a  great  reward.  O-true  believers,  if  ye  fear  God,  he  will  grant  you  a 
distinction,  and  will  expiate  your  sins  from  you,  and  will  forgive  you : 
for  God  is  endued  with  great  liberality.  And  call  to  mind  when  the 
unbelievers  plotted  against  thee,  that  they  might  either  detain  thee  in 
bonds,  or  put  thee  to  death,  or  expel  thee  the  city;  and  they  plotted 
against  thee:  but  God  laid  a  plot  against  them;  and  God  is  the  best 
layer  of  plots.  And  when  our  signs  are  repeated  unto  them,  they  say, 
We  have  heard;  if  we  pleased  we  could  certainly  pronounce  a  com 


AL  KORAX.  99 

position  like  unto  this:  this  is  nothing  but  fables  of  the  ancients.  And 
when  they  said,  O  God,  if  this  be  the  truth  from  thee,  rain  down  stones 
upon  us  from  heaven,  or  inflict  on  us  some  other  grievous  punishment 
But  God  was  not  disposed  to  punish  thorn,  while  thou  wast  with 
them;  nor  was  God  disposed  to  punish  them  when  they  asked  pardon. 
But  they  have  nothing  to  offer  in  excuse  why  God  should  not  punish 
them,  since  they  hindered  the  believers  from  visiting  the  holy  temple, 
although  they  are  not  the  guardians  thereof.  The  guardians  thereof 
are  those  only  who  fear  God ;  but  the  greater  part  of  them  know  it  not. 
And  their  prayer  at  the  house  of  God  is  no  other  than  whistling  and 
clapping  of  the  hands.  Taste  therefore  the  punishment,  for  that  ye 
have  been  unbelievers.  They  who  believe  not,  expend  their  wealth  to 
obstruct  the  way  of  God:  they  shall  expend  it,  but  afterwards  it  shall 
become  matter  of  sighing  and  regret  unto  them,  and  at  length  they 
shall  be  overcome:  and  the  unbelievers  shall  be  gathered  together  into 
hell;  that  God  may  distinguish  the  wicked  from  the  good,  and  may 
throw  the  wicked  one  upon  the  other,  and  may  gather  them  all  in  a 
heap,  and  cast  them  into  hell.  These  are  they  who  shall  perish.  Say  unto 
the  unbelievers,  that  if  they  desist  from  opposing  thee,  what  is  already 
past  shall  be  forgiven  them ;  but  if  they  return  to  attack  thee,  the  exem- 
plary punishment  of  the  former  opposers  of  the  prophets  is  already  past, 
and  the  like  shall  be  inflicted  on  them.  Therefore  figlit  against  them 
until  there  be  no  opposition  in  favour  of  idolatry,  and  the  religion  be 
wholly  God's.  If  they  desist,  verily  God  seeth  that  which  the}7  do :  but 
if  they  turn  back,  know  that  God  is  your  patron;  he  is  the  best  patron, 
and  the  best  helper.  (X.)  And  know  that  whenever  ye  gain  any  spoils, 
a  fifth  part  thereof  belongeth  unto  God  and  to  the  apostle,  and  his 
kindred,  and  the  orphans,  and  the  poor,  and  the  traveller;  if  ye 
believe  in  God,  and  that  which  we  have  sent  down  unto  our  servant 
on  the  day  of  distinction,  on  the  day  whereon  the  two  armies  met: 
and  God  is  almighty.  When  ye  were  encamped  on  the  hithermost 
side  of  the  valley,  and  they  were  encamped  on  the  further  side,  and  the 
caravan  was  below  you;  and  if  ye  had  mutually  appointed  to  come  to 
a  battle,  ye  would  certainly  have  declined  the  appointment:  but  ye 
were  brought  to  an  engagement  without  any  previous  appointment,  that 
God  might  accomplish  the  thing  which  was  decreed  to  be  done,  that 
he  who  perisheth  hereafter  may  perish  after  demonstrative  evidence, 
and  that  he  wholivethmay  live  by  the  same  evidence;  God  bothheareth 
and  knoweth.  When  thy  Lord  caused  the  enemy  to  appear  unto  tliee 
in  thy  sleep,  f»w  in  number;  and  if  he  had  caused  them  to  appear 
numerous  unto  thee,  ye  would  have  been  disheartened  and  wonld  have 
disputed  concerning  the  matter:  but  God  preserved  you  from  this;  for 
he  knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  the  breasts  of  men.  And  when  he 
caused  them  to  appear  unto  you,  when  ye  met,  to  be  few  in  your  e\c<; 
and  diminished  your  numbers  in  their  eyes;  that  God  might  accomplish 
the  thing  which  was  decreed  to  be  done:  and  unto  God  shall  all  things 
return.  O  true  believers,  when  ye  meet  a  party  of  the  infidels,  stand 


100  AL  KORAN. 

firm, and  lemember  God  frequently, that  ye  may  prosper:  and  obey  God 
and  1m  apostle,  and  be  not  refractory,  lest  ye  be  discouraged,  and  your 
success  depart  from  you;  but  persevere  with  patience,  for  God  is  with 
those  who  persevere.  And  be  not  as  those  whc  went  out  of  their  houses 
In  an  insolent  manner,  and  to  appear  with  ostentation  unto  men,  and 
turned  aside  from  the  way  of  God;  for  God  comprehendeth  that 
which  they  do.  And  remember  when  Satan  prepared  their  works  for 
them,  and  said,  No  man  shall  prevail  against  you  to-day;  and  I  will 
surely  be  near  to  assist  you.  But  when  the  two  :  mies  appeared  in 
sight  of  each  other,  he  turnc-d  back  on  his  heels,  and  said,  Verily  I  am 
clear  of  you:  I  certainly  see  that  which  ye  see  not:  I  fear  God,  for 
God  is  severe  in  punishing.  When  the  hypocrites,  and  those  in  whusc 
hearts  there  was  an  infirmity  said,  Their  religion  hath  deceived  these 
men:  but  whosoever  confideth  in  God  cannot  be  deceived;  for  God  is 
mighty  and  wise.  And  if  thou  didst  behold  when  the  angels  cause 
the  unbelievers  to  die:  they  strike  their  faces  and  their  backs,  and 
say  unto  them,  Taste  ye  the  pain  of  burning:  this  shall  ye  suffer  for 
that  which  your  hands  have  sent  before  you";  and  because  God  is  not 
unjust  towards  his  servants.  Those  have  acted  according  to  the  wont. 
of  the  people  of  Pharaoh,  and  of  those  before  them,  who  disbelieved 
in  the  signs  of  God:  therefore  God  took  them  away  in  their  iniquity 
for  God  is  mighty,  and  severe  in  punishing.  This  hath  come  topa.-s 
because  God  changeth  not  his  grace,  wherewith  he  hath  favoured  any 
people,  until  they  change  that  which  is  in  their  souls;  and  for  that 
God  both  heareth  and  seeth.  According  to  the  wont  of  the  people  of 
Pharaoh,  and  of  those  before  them,  who  charged  the  signs  of  their 
Lord  with  imposture,  have  they  acted:  wherefore  we  de>troyed  them 
In  their  sins,  and  we  drowned  the  people  of  Pharaoh;  for  they  were 
all  unjust  persons.  Verily  the  worst  cattle  in  the  sight  of  G*od  are 
those  who  are  obstinate  infidels,  and  will  not  believe.  As  to  those 
who  enter  into  a  league  with  thee,  and  afterwards  violate  their  league 
at  every  convenient  opportunity,  and  fear,  not  God;  if  thou  take  them 
in  war,  disperse,  by  making  them  an  example,  those  who  shall  come 
after  them,  that  they  may  be  warned;  or  if  thou  apprehend  treachery 
from  any  people,  throw  back  their  league  unto  them,  with  like  treat- 
ment; for  God  loveth  not  the  treacherous.  And  think  nol  that  the 
unbelievers  have  escaped  God's  vengeance,  for  they  shall  not  weaken 
the  power  of  God.  Therefore  prepare  against  them  what  force  ye 
are  able,  and  troops  of  horse,  whereby  ye  may  strike  a  terror  into 
the  enemy  of  God,  and  your  enemy,  and  into  other  infidels  besides 
them,  whom  ye  know  not,  but  God  knoweth  them.  And  whatsoever 
ye  shall  expend  in  the  defence  of  the  religion  of  God,  it  shall  be  n 
paid  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  not  be  treated  unjustly.  And  if  they 
incline  unto  peace,  do  thou  also  incline  thereto;  and  put  thy  confi- 
dence in  God,  for  it  is  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth.  But  if  they 
seek  to  deceive  thee,  verily  God  will  be  thy  support.  It  is  he  who 
hath  strengthened  thee  with  his  help,  and  with  that  of  the  faithful; 


AL  KORAN.  101 

and  hath  united  their  hearts.  If  thou  hadst  expended  whatever 
riches  are  in  the  earth,  thou  couldst  not  have  united  their  hearts,  but 
God  united  them;  for  he  is  mighty  and  wise.  O  prophet,  God  is  thy 
support,  and  such  of  the  true  believers  who  follovveth  thee.  O 
prophet,  stir  up  the  faithful  to  war:  if  twenty  of  you  persevere  with 
constancy,  they  shall  overcome  two  hundred,  and  if  there  be  one 
hundred  of  you,  they  shall  overcome  a  thousand  of  those  who  believe 
not;  because  they  are  a  people  which  do  not  understand.  Now  hath 
God  eased  you,  for  he  knew  that  ye  were  weak.  If  there  be  a 
hundred  of  you  who  persevere  with  constancy,  they  shall  overcome 
two  hundred;  and  if  there  be  a  thousand  of  you,  they  shall  overcome 
two  thousand,  by  the  permission  of  God;  for  God  is  with  those  who 
persevere.  It  h;  th  n  it  been  granted  unto  any  prophet,  that  he  should 
possess  captive-,  unti  he  had  made  a  great  slaughter  of  the  infidels  in 
the  earth.  Ye  ^eek  i  i  -  accidental  goods  of  this  world,  but  God  re- 
gardeth  the  lite  10  come;  and  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  Unless  a 
revelation  had  been  previously  delivered  from  God,  verily  a  severe 
punishment  had  beer,  inflicted  on  you,  for  the  ransom  which  ye  took 
from  the  captives  at  Bedr.  Eat  therefore  of  what  ye  have  acquired, 
that  which  is  lawful  and  good:  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  O 
prophet,  say  unto  the  captives  who  are  in  your  hands,  If  God  shall 
know  any  good  to  be  in  your  hearts,  he  will  give  you  better  than  what 
hath  been  taken  from  you;  and  he  will  forgive  you,  for  God  is  gra- 
cious and  merciful.  But  if  they  seek  to  deceive  thee,  verily  they 
have  deceived  God  before;  wherefore  he  hath  given  thee  power  over 
them :  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  Moreover  they  who  have  be- 
lieved, and  have  fled  their  country,  and  employed  their  substance  and 
their  persons  in  fighting  for  the  religion  of  God,  and  they  who  have 
given  the  prophet  a  refuge  among  them,  and  have  assisted  him,  these 
shall  be  deemed  the  one  nearest  of  kin  to  the  other.  But  they  who 
have  believed,  but  have  not  fled  their  country,  shall  have  no  right  of 
kindred  at  all  with  you,  until  they  also  fly.  Yet  if  they  ask  assisr- 
ance  of  you  on  account  of  religion,  it  belongeth  unto  you  to  give 
them  assistance;  except  against  a  people  between  whom  and  your- 
selves there  shall  be  a  league  subsisting:  and  God  seeth  that  which  ye 
Jo.  And  as  to  the  infidels,  let  them  be  deemed  of  kin  the  one  to  the 
other.  Unless  ye  do  this,  there  will  be  a  sedition  in  the  earth,  and 
griev  iu.<  corruption.  But  as  for  them  who  have  believed,  and  left 
their  country,  and  have  fought  for  God's  true  religion,  and  who  have 
allowed  the  prophet  a  retreat  among  them,  and  have  assisted  him, 
these  are  really  believers,  they  shall  receive  mercy,  and  an  honourable 
provision.  And  they  who  have  believed  since,  and  have  fled  their 
country,  and  have  fought  with  you,  these  also  are  of  you.  And 
those  who  are  related  by  consanguinity  shall  be  deemed  the  nearest 
of  kin  to  each  other,  preferably  to  strangers,  according  tc  the 
oi  God;  God  knoweth  all  things. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ENTITLED,   THE  DECLARATION  OP  IMMUNITY;  RETS  AXED  AT 
KBDIHA. 

A  DECLARATION  of  immunity  from  God  and  his  apostle,  unto  the 
Idolaters  with  whom  ye  have  entered  into  league.  Go  to  and  fro  in 
the  earth  securely  four  mouths;  and  know  that  ye  shall  not  weaken 
God,  and  that  God  will  disgrace  the  unbelievers.  And  a  declaration 
from  God  and  his  apostle  unto  the  people,  on  the  day  of  the  greater 
pilgrimage,  that  God  is  clear  of  the  idolaters,  and  his  apostle  also. 
Wherefore  if  ye  repent,  this  will  be  better  for  you;  but  if  ye  turn 
back,  know  that  ye  shall  not  weaken  God :  and  denounce  unto  those 
who  believe  not,  a  painful  punishment.  Except  such  of  the  idolaters 
with  whom  ye  shall  have  entered  into  a  league,  and  who  afterwards 
shall  not  fail  you  in  any  instance,  nor  assist  any  other  against  you. 
Wherefore  perform  the  covenant  which  ye  shall  have  made  witli 
them,  until  their  time  shall  be  elapsed;  for  God  loveth  those  who  fear 
him.  And  when  the  months  whe  rein  ye  are  not  allowed  to  attack 
them  shall  be  past,  kill  the  idolaters  wheresoever  ye  shall  find  them, 
and  take  them  prisoners,  and  besiege  them,  and  lay  wait  for  them  in 
every  convenient  place.  But  if  they  shall  repent,  and  observe  the  ap- 
pointed times  of  prayer,  and  pay  the  legal  alms,  dismiss  them  f reely ; 
for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful.  And  if  any  of  the  idolaters  shall 
demand  protection  of  thee,  grant  him  protection,  that  he  may  hear  the 
word  of  God;  and  afterwards  let  him  reach  the  place  of  his  security. 
This  shalt  thou  do,  because  they  are  people  which  know  not  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  religion  thou  preachest.  How  shall  the  idolaters  be 
admitted  into  a  league  with  God  and  with  his  apostle;  except  those 
with  whom  ye  entered  into  a  league  at  the  holy  temple?  So  long  as 
they  behave  with  fidelity  towards  you,  do  ye  also  behave  with  fidelity 
towards  them;  for  God  loveth  those  who  fear  him.  How  can  they 
be  admitted  into  a  league  with  you,  since,  if  they  prevail  against  you, 
ihey  will  not  regard  in  you  either  consanguinity  or  faith?  They  will 
please  you  with  their  mouths,  but  their  hearts  will  be  averse  from 
you;  for  the  greater  part  of  them  are  wicked  doers.  They  sell  the 
signs  of  God  for  a  small  price,  and  obstruct  his  way;  it  is  certainly 
evil  which  they  do.  They  regard  not  in  a  believer  either  consanguin- 
ity or  faith;  and  these  are  the  transgressors.  Yet  if  they  repent,  and 
observe  the  r.ppointed  times  of  prayer,  and  give  alms,  they  shall  be 
deemed  your  brethren  in  religion.  We  distinctly  propound  our  signs 
unto  peoplo  who  understand.  But  if  they  violate  their  oaths,  alter 
their  league,  and  revile  your  religion,  oppose  the  leaders  of  infidelity 


AL  KORAN.  108 

(for  there  is  no  trust  in  them),  that  they  may  desist  from  their  treach- 
ery. Will  ye  not  fight  against  people  who  have  violated  their  oaths, 
and  conspired  to  expel  the  apostle  of  God;  and  who  of  their  own  ac- 
cord assaulted  you  the  first  time?  Will  ye  fear  them?  But  it  is  more 
just  that  ye  should  fear  God,  if  ye  are  true  believers.  Attack  them 
therefore;  God  shall  punish  them  by  your  hands,  and  will  cover  them 
with  shame,  and  will  give  you  the  victory  over  them;  and  he  will  heal 
the  breasts  of  the  people  who  believe,  and  will  take  away  the  indigna- 
tion of  their  hearts;  for  God  will  be  turned  unto  whom  he  pleasetii; 
and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  Did  ye  imagine  that  ye  should  be 
abandoned,  whereas  God  did  not  yet  know  those  among  you  who 
sought  for  his  religion,  and  took  not  any  besides  God,  and  his  apostle, 
and  the  faithful  for  their  friends?  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that 
which  ye  do.  It  is  not  fitting  that  the  idolaters  should  visit  the  tem- 
ples of  God,  being  wit  nesses  against  their  own  souls  of  their  infidelity. 
The  works  of  these  men  are  vain;  and  they  shall  remain  in  hell  fire 
for  ever.  But  he  only  shall  visit  the  temples  of  God,  who  believeth 
in  God  and  the  last  day,  and  is  constant  at  prayer,  and  payeth  the  le- 
gal alms,  and  feareth  God  alone.  The^e  perhaps  may  become  of  the 
number  of  those  who  are  rightly  directed.  Do  ye  reckon  the  giving 
drink  to  the  pilgrims,  and  the  visiting  of  the  holy  temple,  to  bo  actions 
as  meritorious  as  those  performed  by  him  who  believeth  in  God  and 
the  last  day,  and  fighteth  for  the  religion  of  God?  They  shall  not  be 
held  equal  with  God:  for  God  directeth  not  the  unrighteous  people. 
They  who  have  believed,  and  fled  their  country,  and  employed  their 
substance  and  their  persons  in  the  defence  of  God's  true  religion,  shall 
be  in  the  highest  degree  of  honour  with  God;  and  these  are  they  who 
shall  be  happy.  Their  Lord  sendeth  them  good  tidings  of  mercy  from 
him,  and  good  will,  and  of  gardens  wherein  they  shall  enjoy  lasting 
pleasure;  they  shall  continue  therein  for  ever:  for  God  is  a  great  re- 
ward. O  true  believers,  take  not  your  fathers  or  your  brethren  for 
friends,  if  they  love  infidelity  above  faith;  and  whosoever  among  you 
shall  take  them  for  his  friends,  they  will  be  unjust  doers.  Say,  If  your 
fathers,  and  your  sous,  and  your  brethren,  and  your  wives,  and  your 
relations,  and  your  substance  which  ye  have  acquired,  and  your  mer- 
chandise which  ye  apprehend  may  not  be  sold  off,  and  your  dwell- 
ings wherein  yc  delight,  be  more  dear  unto  you  than  God,  and  his 
apostle,  and  the  advancement  of  his  religion;  wait,  until  God  shall 
send  his  command:  for  God  directeth  not  the  ungodly  people.  Now 
hath  God  assisted  you  in  many  engagements,  and  particularly  at 
the  battle  of  Honein;  when  ye  pleased  yourselves  in  your  multitude, 
but  it  was  no  manner  of  advantage  unto  you,  and  the  earth  became 
too  strait  for  you,  notwithstanding  it  was  spacious;  then  did  ye  re- 
treat and  turn  your  backs.  Afterwards  God  sent  down  his  security 
upon  his  apostle  and  upon  the  faithful,  and  sent  down  troops  of 
angels  which  ye  saw  not;  and  he  punished  those  who  disbelieved; 
and  this  was  the  reward  of  the  unbelievers.  Nevertheless  God  will 


104  AL  KORAN. 

hereafter  be  turned  unto  whom  he  pleaseth;  for  God  is  gracious  and 
merciful.  O  true  believers,  verily  the  idolaters  are  unclean;  let  thtm 
not  therefore  come  near  unto  the  holy  temple  after  this  year.  And  if 
ye  fear  want,  by  the  cutting  off  trade  and  communication  with  them, 
God  will  enrich  you  of  his  abundance,  if  he  pleaseth ;  for  God  is 
knowing  and  wise.  Fight  against  them  who  believe  not  in  God,  nor  in 
the  last  day,  and  forbid  not  that  which  God  and  his  apostle  have 
forbidden,  and  profess  not  the  true  religion,  of  those  unto  whom  the 
scriptures  have  been  delivered,  until  they  pay  tribute  by  right  of  sul>- 
jection,  and  they  be  reduced  low.  The  Jews  say,  Ezra  is  the  son  of 
God,  and  the  Christians  say,  Christ  is  the  son  of  "God.  This  is  their 
saying  in  their  mouths:  they  imitate  the  saying  of  those  who  wei e 
unbelievers  in  former  times.  May  God  resist  them.  How  are  they 
infatuated!  They  take  their  priests  and  their  monks  for  their  lords, 
besides  God,  and  Christ  the  son  of  Mary;  although  they  are  com- 
manded to  worship  one  God  only;  there  is  no  God  but  he;  far  la; 
that  from  him,  which  they  associate  with  him!  They  seek  to  extin- 
guish the  light  of  God  with  their  mouths;  but  God  willeth  no  other 
than  to  perfect  his  light,  although  the  infidels  be  averse  thereto.  It  is 
he  who  hath  sent  his  apostle  with  the  direction,  and  true  religion ;  that 
he  may  cause  it  to  appear  superior  to  every  other  religion;  although 
the  idolaters  be  averse  thereto.  O  true  believers,  verily  many  of  the 
priests  and  monks  devour  the  substance  of  men  in  vanity,  and  obstruct 
the  way  of  God.  But  unto  those  who  treasure  up  gold  and  silver,  and 
employ  it  not  for  the  advancement  of  God's  true  religion,  denounce  a 
grievous  punishment.  On  the  day  of  judgment  their  treasures  shall  be 
intensely  heated  in  the  fire  of  hell,  and  their  foreheads,  and  their  sides, 
and  their  backs  shall  be  stigmatized  therewith ;  and  their  tormentors 
shall  say,  This  is  what  ye  have  treasured  up  for  your  souls ;  taste  there- 
fore that  which  ye  have  treasured  up.  Moreover,  the  complete  number 
of  months  with  God,  is  twelve  months,  which  were  ordained  in  the 
book  of  God,  on  the  day  whereon  he  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth :  of  these,  four  are  sacred.  This  is  the  right  religion :  therefore 
deal  not  unjustly  with  yourselves  therein.  But  attack  the  idolaters  in 
all  the  months,  as  they  attack  you  in  all;  and  know  that  God  is  with 
jthose  who  fear  him.  Verily  the  transferring  of  a  sacred  month  to 
puother  month,  is  an  additional  infidelity.  The  unbelievers  are  led 
into  an  error  thereby:  they  allow  a  month  to  be  violated  one  year,  and 
declare  it  sacred  another  year,  that  they  may  agree  in  the  number  of 
months  which  God  hath  commanded  to  be  kept  sacred ;  and  they  allow 
that  which  God  hath  forbidden.  The  evil  of  their  actions  hath  been 
prepared  for  them :  for  God  directeth  not  the  unbelieving  people.  O 
true  believers,,  what  ailed  you,  that,  when  it  was  said  unto  you,  Go 
forth  to  fight  for  the  religion  of  God,  ye  inclined  heavily  towards  the 
earth?  Do  ye  prefer  the  present  life  to  that  which  is  to  come?  But  the 
provision  of  this  life,  15  respect  of  that  which  is  to  come,  is  but  slender 
Unless  ye  go  forth  when  ye  »»s  summoned  to  war,  God  will  punish 


AL  KORAK  105 

pu  with  a  grievous  punishment;  and  he  will  place  another  people  in 
your  stead,  and  ye  shall  not  hurt  him  at  all ;  for  God  is  almighty. 
If  ye  assist  not  the  prophet,  verily  God  will  assist  him,  as  he  assisted 
him  formerly,  when  the  unbelievers  drove  him  out  of  Mecca, the  second 
of  two:  when  they  were  both  in  the  cave-  when  he  said  unto  his  com- 
panion. Be  not  grieved,  for  God  is  with  us.  And  God  sent  down  his 
security  upon  him,  anc  strengthened  him  with  armies  of  angels,  whom 
ye  saw  rot.  And  he  made  the  word  of  those  who  believed  not  to  bo 
abased,  and  the  word  of  God  was  exalted ;  for  God  is  mighty  and  wise. 
Go  forth  to  battle,  both  light  and  heavy,  and  employ  your  substance 
and  your  persons  for  the  advancement  of  God's  religion.  This  will  be 
better  for  you,  if  ye  know  it.  If  it  had  been  a  near  advantage  and  a 
moderate  journey,  they  had  surely  followed  thee;  but  the  way  seemed 
tedious  unto  them  and  yet  they  will  swear  by  God,  saying,  If  we  had 
been  able,  we  had  surely  gone  forth  with  you.  They  destroy  their  own 
souls,  for  God  knoweth  that  they  are  liars.  God  forgive  thee!  why 
didst  thou  give  them  leave  to  stay  at  home,  until  they  who  speak  the 
truth,  when  they  excuse  themselves,  had  become  manifested  unto  thee, 
and  thou  hadst  known  the  liars?  They  who  believe  in  God  and  the  las", 
day,  will  not  ask  leave  of  thee  to  be  excused  from  employ  ing  their  sub- 
stance and  their  persons  for  the  advancement  of  God's  true  religion; 
and  God  knoweth  those  who  fear  him.  Verily  they  only  will  ask  leave 
of  thee  to  stay  behind,  who  believe  not  in  God  and  the  last  day,  and 
whose  hearts  doubt  concerning  the  faith:  wherefore  they  are  tossed  to 
and  fro  in  their  doubting.  If  they  had  been  willing  to  go  forth  with 
thee,  they  had  certainly  prepared  for  that  purpose  a  provision  of  arms 
and  necessaries :  but  God  was  averse  to  their  going  forth;  wherefore 
he  rendered  them  slothful,  and  it  was  said  unto  them,  Sit  ye  still  with 
those  who  sit  still.  If  they  had  gone  forth  with  you,  they  had  only 
bc'i-n  a  burden  unto  you,  and  had  run  to  and  fro  between  you,  stirring 
you  up  to  sedition;  and  there  would  have  been  some  among  you  who 
would  have  given  ear  unto  them ;  and  God  knoweth  the  wicked.  They 
Formerly  sought  to  raise  a  sedition,  and  they  disturbed  thy  affairs,  until 
the  truth  came,  and  the  decree  of  God  was  made  manifest;  although 
'Key  were  averse  thereto.  There  is  of  them  who  saith  unto  thee, 
Give  me  leave  to  st:iy  behind,  and  expose  me  not  to  temptation.  Have 
they  not  fallen  into  temptation  at  home?  But  hell  will  surely  encom- 
pass the  unbelievers.  If  good  happen  unto  thee,  it  grieveth  them: 
bat  if  a  misfortune  befall  thee,  they  say,  We  ordered  our  business  be- 
fore ;  and  they  turn  their  backs,  and  rejoiced  at  thy  mishap.  Say, 
Nothing  shall  befall  us,  but  what  God  hath  decreed  for  us.  he  is  our 
patron;  and  on  God  let  the  faithful  trust.  Say,  Do  ye  expect  any 
other  should  befall  us  than  one  of  the  two  most  excellent  things;  either 
victory  or  martyrdom  ?  But  we  expect  concerning  you,  that  God 
inflict  a  punishment  on  you,  either  from  himself,  or  by  our  hands. 
"Wait  therefore  to  see  what  will  he  the  end  of  both  ;  for  we  will  wait 
with  you.  Say,  Expend  your  money  in  pious  uses,  either  voluntarily 


106  AL  KORAN. 

or  by  constraint  it  shall  not  be  accepted  of  you,  becau«?  ye  are  irk-feed 
people.  And  nothing  hindereth  their  contributions  from  be-in"-  ac- 
cepted of  them,  but  that  they  believe  not  in  God  and  his  apostle,  ;u,d 
perform  not  the  duty  of  prayer  otherwise  than  sluggishly  ;  arid 
expend  not  their  money  for  CJod's  service,  otherwise  th;in  unwillingly 
Let  not  therefore  their  riches  or  their  children  cause  thee  to  marvel. 
Verily  God  intendeth  only  to  punish  them  by  these  things  in  this 
world  :  and  that  their  souls  may  depart  while  they  are  unbelievers. 
They  swear  by  God  that  they  are  of  you  ;  yet  they  are  not  of  you, 
but  are  people  who  stand  in  fear.  If  they  find  a  place  of  refuge,  or 
caves,  or  a  retreating  hole,  they  surely  turn  towards  the  same,  and  in 
a  headstrong  manner  haste  thereto.  There  is  of  them  also  who 
spreadeth  ill  reports  of  thee,  in  relation  to  thy  distribution  of  the  alms: 
yet  if  they  receive  part  thereof,  they  are  well  pleased  ;  but  if  they 
receive  not  a  part  thereof,  behold,  they  are  angry.  But  if  they  had 
been  pleased  with  that  which  God  and  his  apostle  had  given  them, 
and  had  said,  God  is  our  support;  God  will  give  unto  us  of  his 
abundance  and  his  prophet  also  •  verily  unto  God  do  we  make  our 
supplications  it  would  have  been  more  decent  Alms  are  to  be 
distributed  only  unto  the  poor  and  the  needy,  and  those  who  are 
employed  in  collecting  and  distributing  the  same.and  unto  those  whose 
hearts  are  reconciled,  and  for  the  redemption  of  captives,  and  unto 
those  who  are  in  debt  and  insolvent,  and  for  the  advancement  of  God's 
religion,  and  unto  the  traveller.  This  is  an  ordinance  from  God:  and 
God  is  knowing  and  wise.  There  are  some  of  them  who  injure  the 
prophet,  and  say,  He  is  an  ear  Answer,  H<  is  an  ear  of  good  unto  you: 
he  believeth  in  God,  and  giveth  credit  to  the  faithful,  and  is  a  mercy 
unto  such  of  you  who  believe.  But  they  who  injure  the  apostle  of 
God.  shall  suffer  a  painful  punishment.  They  swear  unto  you  by  God, 
that  they  may  please  you  •.  but  it  is  more  just  that  they  should  please 
God  and  his  apostle,  if  they  are  true  believers.  Do  they  not  know  that 
he  who  opposeth  God  and  his  apostle,  shall  without  doubt  be  punished 
with  the  fire  of  hell  ;  and  shall  remain  therein  for  ever  ':  This  \\ill 
be  great  ignominy.  The  hypocrites  are  apprehensive  lest  a  Sura 
should  be  revealed  concerning  them,  to  declare  unto  them  which  is  in 
their  hearts.  Say  unto  them,  Scoff  ye  ;  but  God  will  surely 
bring  to  light  that  which  ye  fear  should  be  discovered.  And  if  thou 
ask  them  the  reason  of  this  scoffing,  they  say,  Verily  we  were  only  en- 
gaged in  discourse,  and  jesting  among  ourselves.  Say,  Do  ye  scoff  at 
God  and  his  signs,  and  at  his  apostle?  offer  not  an  excuse'  now  are  ye 
become  infidels,  after  your  faith.  If  we  forgive  a  part  of  you,  we 
will  punish  a  part, for  that  they  have  been  wicked  doers.  Hypocritical 
men  and  women  are  the  one  of  them  or  the  other :  they  command 
tha*  which  is  evil,  and  forbid  that  which  is  just,  and  shut  their  hands 
from  giving  alms.  They  have  forgotten  God :  wherefore  he  hath  for- 
gotten them :  verily  the  hypocrites  are  those  who  act  wickedly.  God 
denounceth  untr  the  hypocrites, both  rnei  and  women  and  to  the  unbe 


AL  KORAN.  107 

Slavers,  the  fire  of  hell  ;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever  •  this  will 
be  their  sufficient  reward  ;"  God  hath  cursed  them,  and  they  shall 
endure  a  lasting  torment.  As  they  who  have  been  before  you,  so 
are  ye.  They  were  superior  to  you  iu  strength,  and  had  more  abun- 
dance of  wealth  and  of  children  ;  and  they  enjoyed  their  portion 
In  this  world  ;  and  ye  also  enjoy  your  portion  here,  as  they  who  have 
preceded  you  enjoyed  their  portion.  And  ye  engage  yourselves  in 
Vain  discourses,  like  unio  those  wherein  they  engaged  themselves.  The 
works  of  these  are  vain  both  in  this  world  and  that  which  is  to  come; 
and  these  are  they  who  perish.  Have  they  not  been  acquainted  with 
the  history  of  those  who  have  been  before  them  ?  of  the  people  of 
Noah,  and  of  Ad,  and  of  Thamud,  and  of  the  people  of  Abraham,  and 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Madian,  and  of  the  cities  which  were  over- 
thrown? Their  apostles  came  unto  them  with  evident  demonstra- 
tions: and  God  was  not  disposed  to  treat  them  unjustly;  but  they  dealt 
unjustly  with  their  own  souls.  And  the  faithful  men  and  the  faithful 
women  are  friends  one  to  another  :  they  command  that  which  is 
just,  and  they  forbid  that  which  is  evil  ;  and  they  are  constant  at 
prayer,  and  pay  their  appointed  alms  ,  and  they  obey  God  and  his 
apostle:  unto  these  will  God  be  merciful  :  for  he  is  mighty  and  wise. 
God  promiseth  unto  the  true  believers,  both  men  and  women,  gardens 
through  which  rivers  flow,  wherein  they  shall  remain  for  ever  ;  and 
delicious  dwellings  in  gardens  of  perpetual  abode:  but  goodwill  from 
God  shall  be  their  most  excellent  reward.  This  will  be  great  felicity. 
O  prophet,  wage  war  against  the  unbelievers  and  the  hypocrites,  and 
be  severe  unto  them :  for  their  dwelling  shall  be  hell ;  an  unhappy 
journey  shall  it  be  thither  1  They  swear  by  God  that  they  said  not 
what  they  are  charged  with  :  yet  they  spake  the  word  of  infidelity, 
and  became  unbelievers,  after  they  had  embraced  Islam.  And  they 
designed  that  which  they  could  not  effect ;  and  they  did  not  disap- 
prove the  design  for  any  other  reason,  than  because  God  and  his 
apostle  had 'enriched  them,  of  his  bounty.  If  the}*  repent,  it  will  be 
better  for  them  ;  but  if  they  relapse,  God  will  punish  them  with  a 
grievous  torment,  in  this  world  and  in  the  next ,  and  they 
shall  have  no  patron  on  earth,  nor  any  protector.  There  are  some 
of  them  who  made  a  covenant  with  God,  saying,  Verily  if  he  give  us  of 
his  abundance,  we  will  give  alms  and  become  righteous  people.  Yet 
when  he  had  given  unto  them  of  his  abundance,  they  become  covetous 
thereof,  and  turned  back,  and  retired  afar  off.  Wherefore  he  hath 
caused  hypocrisy  to  succeed  in  their  hearts,  until  the  day  whereon 
they  shall  meet  him  .  for  that  they  failed  to  perform  unto  God 
that  which  they  had  promised  him.  and  for  that  they  prevaricated. 
De  they  not  know  that  God  knoweth  whatever  they  conceal,  and  their 
private  discourses  ;  and  that  God  is  the  knower  of  secrets  ?  They 
who  traduce  such  of  the  believers  as  are  liberal  in  giving  alms  beyond 
what  they  are  obliged,  and  those  who  find  nothing  to  give  but  what 
they  gain  by  their  industry  ;  and  therefore  scoff  at  them  :  God  shall 


108  .       AL  KORAN. 

scoff  at  them,  and  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment.  Ask  for- 
giveness for  them,  or  do  not  ask  forgiveness  for  them ;  it  will  be  equal. 
If  thou  ask  forgiveness  for  them  seventy  times,  God  will  by  no  meang 
forgive  them.  This  is  the  divine  pleasure,  for  that  they  believe  not  in 
God  and  his  apostle  ;  and  God  directeth  not  the  ungodly  people. 
They  who  were  left  at  home  in  the  expedition  of  1'abiic,  were  glad 
of  their  staying  behind  the  apostle  of  God,  and  were  unwilling  to 
employ  their  substance  and  their  persons  for  the  advancement  of  God's 
true  religion  ;  and  they  said,  Go  not  forth  in  the  heat.  Say,  The  fire 
of  hell  will  be  hotter  ;  if  they  understood  this.  Wherefore  let  them 
laugh  little,  and  weep  much,  as  a  reward  for  tha1  wLich  they  have 
done.  If  God  bring  thee  back  unto  some  of  them,  and  they  ask 
thee  leave  to  go  forth  to  war  with  thee,  say,  Ye  shall  not  go  forth  with 
me  for  the  future,  neither  shall  ye  figh.  an  enemy  with  me  ; 
ye  were  pleased  with  sitting  at  borne  the  first  time  ,  sit  ye  at 
home  therefore  with  those  who  stay  behind.  Xeitner  do  thou  ever 
pray  over  any  of  them  who  shall  die,  neither  stand  at  his  grave  ;  for 
that  they  believed  not  in  God  or  his  apostle,  and  die  in  their  wicked- 
ness. Let  not  their  riches  or  their  children  cause  thee  to  marvel:  for 
God  intendeth  only  to  punish  them  therewith  in  this  world:  and 
that  their  souls  may  depart  while  they  are  infidels.  When  a  Sura 
is  sent  down,  wherein  it  is  said,  Believe  in  God,  and  go  forth  to  war 
with  his  apostle  ;  those  who  are  in  plentiful  circumstances  among 
them  ask  leave  of  thee  to  stay  behind,  and  say,  Suffer  us  to  be  of 
the  number  of  those  who  sit  at  home.  They  are  well  pleased  to 
be  with  those  who  stay  behind,  and  their  hearts  are  sealed 
up ;  wherefore  they  do  not  understand.  But  the  apostle,  and 
those  who  have  believed  with  him,  expose  their  fortunes  and  their 
lives  for  God's  service;  they  shall  enjoy  the  good  things  of  either 
life,  and  they  shall  be  happy.  God  hath  prepared  for  them  gardens 
through  which  rivers  flow;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever.  This 
will  be  great  felicity.  And  certain  Aiabs  of  the  desert-came  to  ex- 
cuse themselves,  praying  that  they  might  be  permitted  to  stay  1  thind; 
and  they  sat  at  home  who  had  renounced  God  and  his  apo>t!e.  -I'ut 
a  painful  punishment  shall  be  inflicted  on  such  of  them  as  l.eheve 
not.  In  those  who  are  wreak,  or  are  afflicted  with  sickness,  or  in 
those  who  find  not  wherewith  to  contribute  to  the  war,  it  stall  lie  r.  > 
crime  if  they  stay  at  home;  provided  they  behave  themselves  faith- 
fully towards  God  and  liis  apostle.  There  is  no  room  to  lay  blame  on 
the  righteous ;  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful :  nor  on  those  unto 
whom,  when  they  came  unto  thee,  requesting  that  thou  wouldest 
supply  them  with  necessaries  for  travelling,  thou  didst  answer,  I  find 
not  wherewith  to  supply  you,  returned,  their  eyes  shedding  tears  for 
grief,  that  they  found  not  wherewith  to  contribute  to  the  expedition. 
But  there  is  reason  to  blame  those  who  ask  leave  of  thee  to  sit  at 
home,  when  they  are  rich.  They  are  pleased  to  be  with  those  who 
stay  behind,  and" God  hath  sealed  up  their  hearts;  wherefore  they  do 


AL  KORAN.  109 

not  understand.  (XI.)  They  will  excuse  themselves  unto  you,  when 
ye  are  returned  unto  them.  Say,  Excuse  not  yourselves;  we  will  by 
no  means  believe  you:  God  hath  acquainted  us  with  your  behaviour; 
and  God  will  observe  your  actions,  and  his  apostle  also:  and  here- 
after shall  ye  be  brought  before  him  who  knoweth  that  which  is  hid- 
den and  that  which  Is  manifest :  and  he  will  declare  unto  you  that 
which  ye  have  done.  They  will  s\\car  unto  you  by  God,  when  ye 
are  returned  unto  them,  thai  ye  may  let  them  alone.  *  Let  them  alone 
therefore,  for  they  are  an  abomination,  and  their  dwelling  shall  be 
hell,  a  reward  for  that  which  they  have  deserved.  They  will  swear 
unto  you,  that  ye  may  be  well  pleased  with  them;  but  if  ye  be  well 
pleased  with  them,  verily  God  will  not  be  well  pleased  with  people 
who  prevaricate.  The  Arabs  of  the  desert  are  more  obstinate  in  their 
unbelief  and  hypocrisy;  and  it  is  easier  for  them  to  be  ignorant  of 
the  ordinances  of  that  which  God  hath  sent  down  unto  his  apostle: 
and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  Of  the  Arabs  of  the  desert  there  is 
who  reckoneth  that  which  he  expendeth  for  the  service  of  God,  to  be 
ns  tribute;  and  waiteth  that  some  change  of  fortune  may  befall  you. 
A  change  for  evil  shall  happen  unto  them;  for  God  both  heareth  and 
knoweth.  And  of  the  Arab-  of  the  desert  there  is  who  believeth  in 
God  and  in  the  last  day;  and  esteemeth  that  which  he  layeth  out  for 
the  service  of  God  to  be  the  means  of  bringing  him  near  unto  God 
and  the  prayers  of  the  apostle.  Is  it  not  unto  them  the  means  of  a 
near  approach?  God  shall  lead  them  into  his  mercy;  for  God  is  gra- 
cious and  merciful.  As  for  the  leaders  and  the  first  of  theMohajerin, 
and  the  An  sirs,  and  those  who  have  followed  them  in  well  doing; 
God  is  well  pleased  with  them,  and  they  are  well  pleased  in  him:  and 
he  hath  prepared  for  them  gardens  watered  by  rivers;  they  shall  re- 
main therein  for  ever.  This  shall  be  great  felicity.  And  of  the 
Arabs  of  the  desert  who  dwell  round  about  you,  there  are  hypocritical 
persons:  and  of  the  inhabitants  of  Medina  there  are  some  who  are 
obstinate  in  hypocrisy.  Thou  knowest  them  not,  O  prophet,  but  we 
know  them:  we  will  surely  punish  them  twice;  afterwards  shall  they 
be  sent  to  a  grievous  torment.  And  others  have  acknowledged  their 
'•rimes.  They  have  mixed  a  good  action  with  another  which  is  bad: 
peradventure  God  will  he  turned  unto  them;  for  God  is  gracious  and 
merciful.  Take  alms  of  their  substance,  that  thou  mayest  cleanse 
them  and  purify  them  thereby:  and  pray  for  them:  for  thy  prayers 
shall  be  a  security  of  mind  unto  them;  and  God  both  heareth  and 
kn.weth.  Do  they  not  know  that  God  accepteth  repentance  from 
hi?  -ervants.  and  accepteth  alms;  and  that  God  is  easy  to  be  recon- 
cileu  and  merciful?  Say  unto  them,  Work  as  ye  will;  but  God  will 
behold  your  work,  and  his  apostle  also,  and  the  true  believers:  and 
ye  shal'  'he  brought  before  him  who  knoweth  that  which  is  kept  secret, 
and  that  which  is  made  public;  and  he  will  declare  untoyou  whatever 
ye  have  done.  And  there  are  others  who  wait  with  suspense  the  decree 
of  God ;  whether  he  will  punish  them,  or  whether  he  will  be  turned  unto 


110  AL  KORAN. 

them:  but  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  There  are  some  who  have  built 
a  temple  to  hurt  the  faithful,  and  to  propagate  infidelity,  and  to  fo- 
ment division  among  the  true  believers,  and  for  a  lurking-place  for 
him  who  hath  fought  against  God  and  his  apostle  in  time  past;  and 
they  swear,  saying,  Verily  we  intended  no  other  than  to  do  for  the 
best:  but  God  is  witness  that  they  do  certainly  lie.  Stand  not  up  to 
pray  therein  for  ever.  There  is  a  temple  founded  on  piety,  from  the 
first  day  of  its  building.  It  is  more  just  that  thou  stand  up  to  pray 
therein:  therein  are  men  who  love  to  be  purified  for  God  loveth  the 
clean.  "Whether  therefore  is  he  better,  who  hath  founded  his  build- 
ing on  the  fear  of  God  and  his  goodwill;  or  he  who  hath  founded  hi^ 
building  on  the  brink  of  a  bank  of  earth  which  is  washed  away  by 
waters,  so  that  it  falleth  with  him  into  the  fire  of  hell?  God  directetli 
not  the  ungodly  people.  Their  building  whici  they  have  built  will 
not  cease  to  be  an  occasion  of  doubting  in  their  hearts,  until  their 
hearts  be  cut  in  pieces;  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  Verily  God 
hath  purchased  of  the  true  believers  their  souls  and  their  substance. 
promising  them  the  enjoyment  of  paradise;  on  condition  that  they 
fight  for  the  cause  of  God;  whether  they  slay  or  be  slain,  the  promi-c 
for  the  same  is  assuredly  due  by  the  law,  and  the  gospel,  and  the 
Koran.  And  who  perfonneth  his  contract  more  faithfully  than  God? 
Rejoice  therefore  in  the  contract  which  ye  have  made.  This  shall  be 
great  happiness.  The  penitent,  and  those  who  serve  God,  and  praise 
him,  and  who  fast,  and  bow  down,  and  worship;  and  who  command 
that  which  is  just,  and  forbid  that  which  is  evil,  and  keep  the  ordin- 
ances of  God,  shall  likewise  be  rewarded  with  paradise  wherefore 
bear  good  tidings  unto  the  faithful.  It  is  not  allowed  unto  the  pro- 
phet, nor  those  who  are  true  believers,  that  they  pray  for  idolaters, 
although  they  be  of  kin,  after  it  is  become  known  unto  them,  that 
they  are  inhabitants  of  hell.  Neither  did  Abrahar  ask  forgiveness 
for'his  father,  otherwise  than  in  pursuance  of  a  promise  which  he  had 
promised  unto  him;  but  when  it  became  known  unto  him,  that  he 
was  an  enemy  unto  God,  he  declared  himself  clear  of  him.  Verily 
Abraham  was  pitiful  and  compassionate.  Nor  is  God  disposed  to  lead 
people  into  error,  after  that  he  hath  directed  them,  until  that  which 
they  ought  to  avoid  is  become  known  unto  them;  for  God  knoweth 
all  things.  Verily  unto  God  belongeth  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  of 
earth ;  he  giveth  life,  and  he  causeth  to  die ;  and  ye  have  nc  patron  or 
helper  besides  God .  God  is  reconciled  unto  the  prophet,  and  unto 
the  Mohajerin,  and  the  Ansars,  who  followed  him  in  the  hour  of  dis- 
tress, after  that  it  had  wanted  little  but  that  the  hearts  of  a  part  of 
them  had  swerved  from  their  duty:  afterwards  was  he  turned  unto 
them ;  for  he  was  compassionate  and  merciful  towards  them.  And  he 
is  also  reconciled  unto  the  three  who  were  left  behind,  so  that  iho 
earth  became  too  strait  for  them,  notwithstanding  its  spaciousness, 
and  their  souls  became  straitened  within  them,  and  they  considered 
that  there  was  no  refuge  from  God,  otherwise  than  by  having  recourse 


AL  KORAX.  Ill 

unto  him.  Then  was  he  turned  unto  them,  that  they  might  repent; 
for  God  is  easy  to  be  reconciled  and  merciful.  O  tme  believers,  fear 
God,  and  be  with  the  sincere.  There  was  no  reason  why  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Medina,  and  the  Arab-;  of  the  desert  who  dwell  around  them, 
should  stay  behind  the  apostle  of  God,  or  should  prefer  themselves 
before  him.  This  is  unreasonable;  because  they  are  not  distressed 
either  by  thirst,  or  labour,  or  hunger,  for  the  defence  of  God's  true 
religion;  neither  do  they  stir  a  step,  which  may  irritate  the  unbeliev- 
ers; neither  do  they  receive  from  the  enemy  any  damage,  but  a  good 
work  is  written  down  unto  them  for  the  same;  for  God  suffereth  not 
the  reward  of  the  righteous  to  perish.  And  they  contribute  not  any 
sum  either  small  or  great,  nor  do  they  pass  a  valley,  but  it  is  written 
down  unto  them,  that  God  may  reward  them  with  a  recompense  ex- 
ceeding that  which  they  have  wrought.  The  believers  are  not  obliged 
to  go  forth  to  war  all  together:  if  a  part  of  ever}'  band  of  them  go  not 
forth,  it  is  that  they  may  diligently  instruct  themselves  in  their  relig- 
ion ;  and  may  admonish  their  people,  when  they  return  unto  them, 
that  they  may  take  heed  to  themselves.  O  true  believers,  wage  war 
against  such  of  the  infidels  as  are  near  you;  and  let  them  find  severity 
in  you  •  and  know  that  God  is  with  those  who  fear  him.  Whenever 
a  Sura  is  sent  down,  there  are  some  of  them  who  say,  Which  of  you 
hath  this  caused  to  increase  in  faith?  It  will  increase  the  faith  of 
those  who  believe,  and  they  shall  rejoice:  but  unto  those  in  whose 
hearts  there  is  an  infirmity,  it  will  add  further  doubt  unto  their 
present  doubt;  and  they  shall  die  in  their  infidelity.  Do  they  not  see 
that  the\"  are  tried  every  year  once  or  twice?  yet  they  repent  not, 
neither  are  they  warned.  And  whenever  a  Sura  is  sent  down,  they 
look  at  one  another,  saying.  Doth  any  one  see  you?  then  do  they 
turn  aside.  God  shall  turn  aside  their  hearts  from  the  truth;  be- 
cause they  are  a  people  who  do  not  understand.  Now  hath  an  apos- 
tle come  unto  you  of  our  own  nation,  an  excellent  person :  it  is 
grievous  unto  him  that  ye  commit  wickedness:  he  is  careful  over  you, 
and  compassionate  and  merciful  towards  the  believers.  If  they  turn 
back,  say,  God  is  my  support :  there  is  no  God  but  he.  On  him  do  1 
trust;  and  he  is  the  Lord  of  the  magnificent  throne. 


CHAPTER    X. 

ENTITLED,    JONAS;     REVEALED    AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFTL  GOD. 

A.  L.  R.  These  are  the  signs  of  the  wise  book.  It  is  a  strange 
thing  unto  the  men  of  Mecca,  that  we  have  revealed  our  will  unto  a 
man  from  among  them,  saying,  Denounce  threats  unto  men  if  they 
believe  not ;  and  bear  good  tidings  unto  those  who  believe,  that  on  the 
merit  of  their  sincerity  they  have  an  interest  with  their  Lord?  The 
unbelievers  say,  This  is  manifest  sorcery.  Verily  your  Lord  is  God, 
who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in  six  days;  and  then 
ascended  his  throne,  to  take  on  himself  the  government  of  all  things. 
There  is  no  intercessor,  but  by  his  permission.  This  is  God,  your 
Lord;  therefore  serve  him.  "Will  ye  not  consider?  Unto  him  shall 
ye  all  return,  according  to  the  certain  promise  of  God :  for  he  produceth 
a  creature,  and  then  causeth  it  to  return  again :  that  he  may  reward 
those  who  believe  and  do  that  which  is  right,  with  equity.  But  as  for 
the  unbelievers,  they  shall  drink  boiling  water,  and  they  shall  suffer  a 
grievous  punishment,  for  that  they  have  disbelieved.  It  is  he  who  hath 
ordained  the  sun  to  shine  by  day,  and  the  moon  for  a  light  by  night; 
and  hath  appointed  her  stations,  that  ye  might  know  the  number  of 
years,  and  the  computation  of  time.  God  hath  rot  created  this,  but 
with  truth.  He  explaineth  his  signs  unto  people  who  understand. 
Moreover  in  the  vicissitude  of  night  and  day.  and  whatever  God  hath 
created  in  heaven  and  earth,  are  surely  signs  unto  men  who  fear  him. 
Verily  they  who  hope  not  to  meet  us  at  the  last  day,  and  delight  in 
this  present  life,  and  rest  securely  in  the  same,  and  who  are  negligent 
of  our  signs;  their  dwelling  shall  be  hell  fire,  for  that  which  they 
have  deserved.  But  as  to  those  who  believe,  and  work  righteous- 
ness, their  Lord  will  direct  them  because  of  their  faith ;  they  shall  have 
rivers  flowing  through  gardens  of  pleasure.  Their  prayer  therein 
shall  be,  Praise  be  unto  thee,  O  God!  and  their  salutation  therein 
shall  be,  Peace!  and  the  end  of  their  prayer  shall  be.  Praise  be  unto 
God,  the  Lord  of  all  creatures!  If  God  should  cause  evil  to  hasten 
unto  men,  according  to  their  desire  of  hastening  good,  verily  their 
end  had  been  decreed.  Wherefore  we  suffer  those  who  hope  not  to 
meet  us  at  the  resurrection,  to  wander  amazedly  in  their  error.  When 
evil  befalleth  a  man;  he  prayeth  unto  us  lying'ou  his  side,  or  sittir.:  . 
or  standing:  but  when  we  deliver  him  from  his  affliction,  he  ccr.- 
tinueth  his  former  course  of  life,  as  though  he  had  not  railed  upon  vs 
to  defend  him  against  the  evil  which  had  befallen  him.  Thus  was 
that  which  the  transgressors  committed  prepared  for  them.  We 


AL  KORAN.  113 

have  formerly  destroyed  the  generations  who  were  before  you,  O 
men  of  Mecca,  when  they  had  acted  unjustly,  and  our  apostles  had 
come  unto  them  with  evident  miracles,  and  they  would  not  believe. 
Thus  do  we  reward  the  wicked  people.  Afterwards  did  we  cause 
you  to  succeed  them  in  the  earth :  that  we  might  see  how  ye  would 
act.  When  our  evident  signs  are  recited  unto  them,  they  who  hope 
not  to  meet  us  at  the  resurrection,  say.  Bring  a  different  Koran  from 
tliis;  or  make  some  change  therein"  Answer,  It  is  not  fit  forme, 
that  I  should  change  it  at  my  pleasure:  I  follow  that  only  which 
is  revealed  unto  me.  Verily  I  fear,  if  I  should  be  disobedient  unto 
my  Lord,  the  punishment  of  the  great  day.  Say,  If  God  had  so 
pleased,  I  had  not  read  it  unto  you,  neither  had  I  taught  you  the 
s  une.  I  have  already  dwelt  among  you  to  the  age  of  forty  years, 
before  I  received  it.  Do  ye  not  therefore  understand?  And  who  is 
more  unjust  than  he  who 'deviseth  a  lie  against  God,  or  accuseth  his 
signs  of  falsehood?  Surely  the  wicked  shall  not  prosper.  Tuey 
worship  besides  God.  that  which  can  neither  hurt  them  nor  profit 
them,  and  they  say.  These  are  our  intercessors  with  God.  Aui,wer, 
Will  ye  tell  God  that  which  he  knoweth  not,  neither  in  heaven  florin 
earth?  Praise  be  unto  him!  and  far  be  that  from  him,  whic?\  they 
associate  with  him!  Men  were  professors  of  one  religion  only,  but 
they  dissented  therefrom;  and  if  a  decree  had  not  previously  is- 
sued from  thy  Lord,  deferring  their  punishment,  verily  the  matter 
had  been  decided  between  them,  concerning  which  they  disagreed. 
They  say,  Unless  a  sign  be  sent  down  unto  him  from  his  Lord,  we 
will  not  believe.  Answer,  Verily  that  which  is  hidden  is  known  only 
unto  God:  wait  therefore  the  pleasure  of  God;  and  I  also  will  wait 
with  you.  And  when  we  caused  the  men  of  Mecca  to  taste  mercy, 
after  an  affliction  which  had  befallen  them,  behold,  they  devised  a 
stratagem  against  our  signs.  Say  unto  them,  God  is  more  swift  in 
executing  a  stratagem  than  ye.  Verily  our  messengers  write  down  that 
which  ye  deceitfully  devise.  It  is  he  who  hath  given  you  conven- 
iences for  travelling  by  land  and  by  sea;  so  that  ye  be  in  ships,  which 
sail  with  them  with  a  favourable  wind,  and  they  rejoice  therein. 
And  when  a  tempestuous  wind  overtaketh  them,  and  waves  come 
upon  them  from  every  side,  and  they  think  themselves  to  be  encom- 
passed with  inevitable  dangers;  they  call  upon  God,  exhibiting  the 
pure  religion  unto  him,  and  saying,  Verily,  if  thoti  deliver  us  from 
this  peril,  we  will  be  of  those  who  give  thanks.  But  when  he  hath 
delivered  them,  behold,  they  behave  themselves  insolently  in  the 
earth,  without  justice.  O  men,  Verily  the  violence  which  ye  commit 
against  your  own  souls,  is  for  the  enjoyment  of  this  present  life 
only;  afterwards  unto  us  shall  ye  return,  and  we  will  declare  unto 

? 'i»i  that  which  ye  have  done.     Verily  the  likeness  of  this--,  present 
itV  is  no  other  than   as  water,  which  we  send  down  from  heaven, 
and  wherewith  the  productions  of  the  earth  are  mixed,  of  which 
men  eat,  and  cattle  also,  until  the  earth  receive  its  vesture,  and  bf 


114  AL  KORAN. 

adorned  with  various  plants:  the  inhabitants  thereof  imagine  that 
they  have  power  over  the  same;  but  our  command  cometh  unto  it  by 
night  or  by  day,  and  we  render  it  as  though  it  had  been  mown,  as 
though  it  had  not  yesterday  abounded  with  fruits.  Thus  do  we  ex- 
plain our  signs  unto  people  who  consider.  God  inviteth  unto  the 
dwelling  of  peace,  and  directeth  whom  he  pleaseth  into  the  right 
way.  They  who  do  right  shall  receive  a  most  excellent  reward,  and 
a  superabundant  addition ;  neither  blackness  nor  shame  shall  cover 
their  faces.  These  shall  be  the  inhabitants  of  paradise;  they  shall 
continue  therein  for  ever.  But  they  who  commit  evil  shall  receive 
the  reward  of  evil,  equal  thereunto, 'and  they  shall  be  covered  with 
shame  (for  they  shall  have  no  protector  against  God);  as  though 
their  faces  were  covered  with  the  profound  darkness  of  the  night. 
These  shall  be  the  inhabitants  of  hell  fire;  they  shall  remain  therein 
for  ever.  On  the  day  of  the  resurrection  we  will  gather  them  all 
together;  then  will  we  say  unto  the  idolaters,  Get  ye  to  your  place, 
ye  and  your  companions;  and  we  will  separate  them  from  one 
another;  and  their  companions  shall  say  unto  them,  Ye  did  not  wor- 
ship us;  and  God  is  a  sufficient  witness  between  us  and  you;  neither 
did  we  mind  your  worshipping  of  us.  There  shall  every  soul  experi- 
ence that  which  it  shall  have  sent  before  it;  and  they  shall  be  brought 
before  God,  their  true  Lord;  and  the  false  deities  which  they  vainly 
imagined,  shall  disappear  from  before  them.  Say,  Who  provided) 
you  food  from  heaven  and  earth?  or  who  hath  the  absolute  power 
over  the  hearing  and  the  sight  ?  and  who  bringeth  forth  the  living  from 
the  dead,  and  bringeth  forth  the  dead  from  the  living?  and  who 
governeth  all  things?  They  will  surely  answer,  God.  Say,  Will  ye  not 
therefore  fear  him?  This  is  there  fore*  God,  your  true  Lord .  and  what 
remaineth  there  after  truth,  except  error?  How  therefore  are  ye 
turned  aside  from  the  truth?  Thus  is  the  word  of  thy  Lord  verified 
upon  them  who  do  wickedly;  that  they  believe  not.  Sa}',  Is  there  any 
of  your  companions  who  produceth  a  creature,  and  then  causeth  it  to 
return  unto  himself?  Say,  God  produceth  a  creature,  and  then  cau>cth 
it  to  return  unto  himself.  How  therefore  are  ye  turned  aside  from 
his  worship?  Say,  Is  there  any  of  your  companions  who  directeth 
unto  the  truth?  Say,  God  directeth  unto  the  truth.  Whether  is  he 
therefore,  who  directeth  unto  the  truth,  more  worthy  to  be  followed; 
or  he  who  directeth  not,  unless  he  be  directed?  What  aileth  you, 
therefore;  that  ye  judge  as  ye  do?  And  the  greater  part  of  them  fol- 
low an  uncertain  opinion  only;  but  a  mere  opinion  attaineth  not  unto 
any  truth.  Verily  God  kuoweth  that  which  they  do.  This  Koran 
could  not  have  been  composed  by  any  except  God ;  but  it  is  a  confirma 
tion  of  that  which  was  revealed  before  it,  and  an  explanation  of  the 
scripture;  there  is  no  doubt  thereof;  sent  down  from  the  Lord  of  all 
creatures.  Will  they  say,  Mohammed  hath  forged  it?  Answer, 
Bring  therefore  a  chapter  like  unto  it ;  and  call  whom  ye  may  to  your 
assistance,  besides  God,  if  ye  speak  truth.  But  thev  have  charged 


AL  KORAX.  115 

that  with  falsehood,  the  knowledge  whereof  they  do  not  comprehend, 
neither  hath  the  interpretation  thereof  come  unto  them.  In  the  same 
manner  did  those  who  were  before  them,  accuse  their  prophets  of  im- 
posture; but  behold  what  was  the  end  of  the  unjust.  There  are  some 
of  them  who  believe  therein:  and  then-  are  some  of  them  who  believe 
not  therein:  and  thy  Lord  well  knoweth  the  corrupt  doers.  If  they 
accuse  thee  of  imposture,  say.  I  have  my  work,  and  ye  have  your 
work;  ye  shall  be  clear  of  that  which  I  do,  and  I  will  be  clear  of  that 
which  ye  do.  There  are  some  of  them  who  hearken  unto  thee;  but 
wilt  thou  make  the  deaf  to  hear,  although  they  do  not  understand? 
And  there  are  some  of  them  who  look  at  thee;  but  wilt  thou  direct 
the  blind,  although  they  see  not?  Verily  God  will  not  deal  unjustly 
with  men  in  any  respect :  but  men  deal  unjustly  with  their  own  souls. 
On  a  certain  day  he  will  gather  them  together,  as  though  they  had 
not  tarried  above  an  hour  of  a  day:  they  shall  know  one  another. 
Then  shall  they  perish  who  have  denied  the  meeting  of  God.  and  were 
not  rightly  directed.  Whether  we  cause  thee  to  see  a  part  of  the 
punishment  wherewith  we  have  threatened  them,  or  whether  we 
cause  thee  to  die  before  thou  see  it;  unto  us  shall  they  return:  then 
shall  God  be  witness  of  that  which  they  do.  Unto  every  nation  hath 
an  apostle  been  sent:  and  when  their  apostle  came,  the  matter  was 
decided  between  them  with  equity;  and  they  were  not  treated  un- 
justly. The  unbelievers  say,  When  will  this  threatening  be  made 
good,  if  ye  speak  truth?  Answer,  I  am  able  neither  to  procure  ad- 
vantage unto  myself,  nor  to  avert  mischief  from  me,  but  as  God 
pleasetb.  Unto  every  nation  is  a  fixed  term  decreed;  when  their  term 
therefore  is  expired,  they  shall  not  have  respite  for  an  hour,  neither 
shall  their  punishment  be  anticipated.  Say,  Tell  me;  if  the  punish- 
ment of  God  overtake  you  by  night,  or  by  day.  what  part  thereof 
will  the  ungodly  wish  to  be  hastened?  When  it  falleth  on  you,  do 
ye  then  believe*  it?  Now  do  ye  believe,  and  wish  it  far  from  you, 
when  as  ye  formerly  desired  it  should  be  hastened?  Then  shall  it  be 
said  unto  the  wicked, Taste  ye  the  punishment  of  eternity:  would  ye 
receive  other  than  the  reward  of  that  which  ye  have  wrought?  They 
will  desire  to  know  of  thee  whether  this  be  true.  Answer,  Yea,  by 
my  Lord,  it  is  certainly  true;  neither  shall  ye  weaken  God's  power,  so 
as  to  escape  it.  Verily,  if  every  soul  which  hath  acted  wickedly  had 
whatever  is  on  the  earth,  it  would  willingly  redeem  itself  therewith  at 
the  last  day.  Yet  they  will  conceal  their  repentance,  after  they  shall 
have  seen  the  punishment:  and  the  matter  shall  be  decided  between 
them  with  equity;  and  they  shall  not  be  unjustly  treated.  Doth  not 
whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth  belong  unto  God?  Is  not  the 
promise  of  God  true?  But  the  greater  part  of  them  know  it  not.  He 
giveth  life,  and  he  causeth  to  die;  and  unto  him  shall  ye  all  return.  O 
men,  now  hath  an  admonition  come  unto  you  from  your  Lord,  and  a 
remedy  for  the  doubts  which  are  in  your  breasts;  and  a  direction,  and 
mercy  unto  the  true  believers.  Say,  Through  the  grace  of  (Jod,  and 


116  AL  KORAN. 

his  mercy:  therein  therefore  let  them  rejoice;  this  will  be  bettor  than 
what  they  heap  together  of  worldly  riches.  Say,  Tell  me;  of  that 
which  God  hath  sent  down  unto  you  for  food,  have  ye  declared  part 
to  be  lawful,  and  other  part  to  be  unlawful?  Bay,  Hath  God  per- 
mitted you  to  make  this  distinction?  or  do  ye  devise  a  lie  concerning 
God?  I5ut  what  will  be  the  opinion  of  those  who  devise  a  lie  con- 
cerning God,  on  the  day  of  the  resurrection?  Verily  God  is  endued 
with  beneficence  towards  mankind;  but  the  greater  part  of  Mem  do 
not  give  thanks.  Thou  shall  be  engaged  in  no  business,  neither  >lialt 
thou  be  employed  in  meditating  on  any  passage  of  the  Koran;  nor 
shall  ye  do  an}'  action,  but  we  will  be  witnesses  over  you,  when  ye 
are  employed  therein.  Nor  is  so  much  as  the  weight  of  suit  hidden 
from  thy  Lord,  in  earth  or  in  heaven:  neither  is  there  anything  lesser 
than  that,  or  greater,  but  it  is  written  in  the  perspicuous  book.  Are 
not  the  friends  of  God  the  persons,  on  whom  no  fear  shall  come,  and 
who  shall  not  be  grieved?  They  who  believe  and  fear  God,  shall  re-, 
ceive  good  tidings  in  this  life. and  in  that  which  is  to  come.  There 
is  no  change  in  the  words  of  God.  This  shall  be  great  felicity.  Let 
not  their  discourse  grieve  thee;  for  all  might  belongeth  unto  God-  he 
both  heareth  and  knoweth.  Is  not  whoever  dwelleth  in  heaven  and 
on  earth,  subject  unto  God?  What  therefore  do  they  follow,  who 
invoke  idols,  besides  God?  They  follow  nothing  but  a  vain  opinion; 
and  they  only  utter  lies.  It  is  he  who  hath  ordained  the  night  for 
you,  that  ye  may  take  your  rest  therein,  and  the  clear  day  for  labour 
verily  herein  are  signs  unto  people  who  hearken.  They  ssiy,  God 
hath  begotten  children:  God  forbid!  He  is  self-sufficient.  Unto  him 
belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  hesiven  and  on  earth:  ye  have  no  demon- 
strative proof  of  this.  Do  ye  speak  of  God  that  which  ye  know  not  ? 
Say,  Verily  they  who  imagine  a  lie  concerning  God,  shall  not  pros- 
per. They  may  enjoy  a  provision  in  this  world;  but  afterwards  unto 
us  shall  they  return,  and  we  will  then  cause  them  to  taste  a  grievous 
punishment,  for  that  they  were  unbelievers.  Rehearse  unto  them 
the  history  of  Xoah :  when  he  said  unto  his  people,  O  my  people,  if 
my  standing  forth  among  you,  and  my  warning  you  of  the  signs  of 
God,  be  grievous  unto  you;  in  God  do  I  put  my  trust.  Therefore 
lay  your  design  against  me,  and  assemble  your  false  gods;  but  let  not 
your  design  be  carried  on  by  you  in  the  dark:  then  come  forth  agains/ 
me,  and  delay  not.  And  it'  ye  turn  aside  from  my  admonitions,  lash 
not  any  reward  of  you  for  the  same;  I  expect  my  reward  from  God 
alone,  and  I  am  commanded  to  be  one  of  those  who  are  resigned  unto 
him.  But  they  accused  him  of  imposture:  wherefore  we  delivered 
him,  and  those  who  were  with  him  in  tin  ark,  and  we  caused  them 
to  survive  the  flood,  but  we  drowned  those  who  charged  our  signs 
with  falsehood.  Behold,  therefore,  what  was  the  end  of  those  who 
were  warned  by  Noah.  Then  did  we  send,  after  him,  apostles  unlo 
their  respective  people,  and  they  came  unto  them  with  evident  de- 
monstrations: yet  they  were  not  disposed  to  believe  in  that  which  they 


AL  KORAtf.  Ill 

had  before  rejected  as  false.  Thus  do  we  seal  up  the  hearts  of  the 
transgressors.  Then  did  we  send,  after  them,  Moses  and  Aaron  unto 
Pharaoh  and  his  princes  with  our  signs:  but  they  behaved  proudly, 
and  were  a  wicked  people.  And  when  the  truth  from  us  had  come 
unto  them,  they  said,  Verily  this  is  manifest  sorcery.  Moses  said 
unto  them,  Do  ye  speak  this"  of  the  truth,  after  it  hath  come  unto  you? 
Is  this  sorcery?' but  sorcerers  shall  not  prosper.  They  said,  Art  thou 
come  unto  us  to  turn  us  aside  from  that  religion  which  we  found  our 
fathers  practice,  and  f'.iat  ye  *\vo  may  have  the  command  in  the  land? 
But  we  do  not  believe  you.  And  Pharaoh  said,  Bring  unto  me  every 
expert  magician.  And  when  the  magicians  were  come,  Moses  said 
unto  them,  Cast  down  that  which  ye  are  about  to  cast  down.  And 
•when  they  had  cast  down  their  rods  and  cords.  Moses  said  unto  them, 
The  enchantment  which  ye  have  performed,  shall  God  surely  render 
vain ;  fur  God  prosperethVioi  the  work  of  the  wicked  doers.  And  God 
will  verify  the  truth  of  his  words,  although  the  wicked  be  averse 
thereto.  And  there  believed  not  any  on  Moses,  except  a  generation 
of  his  people,  for  fear  of  Pharaoh  and  of  his  priuces,  lest  he  should 
afflict  them.  And  Pharaoh  was  lifted  up  with  pride  in  the  earth, 
and  was  surely  one  of  the  transgressors.  And  Moses  said,  O  my 
people,  if  ye  believe  in  God,  put  your  trust  in  him,  if  ye  be  resigned 
to  his  will.  They  answered,  We  put  our  trust  in  God:  O  Lord, 
suffer  us  not  to  be  afflicted  by  unjust  people;  but  deliver  us,  through 
thy  inercy.  from  the  unbelieving  people.  And  we  spake  by  inspira- 
tion unto  Moses  and  his  brother,  saying,  Provide  habitations  for 
your  people  in  Egypt,  ami  make  your  houses  a  place  of  worship,  and 
be  constant  at  prayer;  and  bear  good  news  unto  the  true  believers. 
And  Moses  said.  O 'Lord,  verily  thou  hast  given  unto  Pharaoh  and 
his  people  pompous  ornaments,  and  riches  in  this  present  life,  O 
Lord,  that  they  may  be  seduced  from  thy  way;  O  Lord,  bring 
their  riches  to  nought,  and  harden  their  hearts;  that  they  may  not 
believe,  until  they  see  their  grievous  punishment.  God  said,  Your 
petition  is  heard:  be  ye  upright  therefore,  and  follow  not  in  the  way 
of  those  who  are  ignorant.  And  we  caused  the  children  of  Israel  to 
pa<s  through  the  sea;  and  Pharaoh  and  his  army  followed  them  in 
a  violent  and  hostile  manner;  until,  when  he  was  drowning,  he  said, 
I  believe  that  there  is  no  God  but  lie  on  whom  the  children  of  Israel 
believe:  and  I  am  one  of  the  resigned.  Now  do>t  thou  believe,  when 
thou  hast  been  hitherto  rebellious,  and  one  of  the  wicked  doers?  This 
day  will  we  raise  thy  body  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  that  thou 
niaye-t  be  a  sign  unto  those  who  shall  be  after  thee;  and  verily  a  great 
number  of  men  are  negligent  of  our  sLms.  And  we  prepared  for  the 
children  of  Israel  an  established  dwelling  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
we  provided  good  things  for  their  sustenance;  and  they  differed  not 
in  point  of  religion,  until  knowledge  had  come  unto  them;  verily  thy 
Lord  will  judge  between  them  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  concerning 
that  wherein  they  disagreed.  If  thou  "art  in  doubt  concerning  any 


118  AL  KORAN. 

part  of  that  which  we  have  sent  down  unto  thee,  ask  them  who  have 
read  the  book  of  the  law  before  thee.  Now  hath  the  truth  come  unto 
thee  from  thy  Lord;  be  not.  therefore,  one  of  those  who  doubt 
neither  be  thou  one  of  those  who  charge  the  signs  of  God  with  false- 
hood, lest  thou  become  one  of  those  who  perish.  Verily  those  against 
whom  the  word  of  thy  Lord  is  decreed,  shall  not  believe,  although 
there  come  unto  them  every  kind  of  miracle;  until  they  see  the  griev- 
ous punishment  prepared  for  them.  And  if  it  were  not  so,  some  city, 
among  the  many  which  have  been  destroyed,  would  have  believed; 
and  the  faith  of  its  inhabitants  would  have  been  of  advantage  unto 
them:  but  none  of  them  believed  before  the  execution  of  their  sen- 
tence, except  the  people  of  Jonas.  When  they  believed,  we  deliv- 
ered them  from  the  punishment  of  shame  in  this  world,  and  suffered 
them  to  enjoy  their  lives  and  possessions  for  a  time.  But  if  thy  Lord 
had  pleased,  verily  all  who  are  in  the  earth  would  have  believed  in 
general.  Wilt  thou  therefore  forcibly  compel  men  to  be  true  believ- 
ers? No  soul  can  believe  but  by  the  j permission  of  God:  and  he  shall 
pour  out  his  indignation  on  those  who  will  not  understand.  Say, 
Consider,  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth:  but  signs  are  of  no 
avail,  neither  preachers,  unto  people  who  will  not  believe.  Do  they 
therefore  expect  any  other  than  some  terrible  judgment,  like  unto 
the  judgments  which  have  fallen  on  those  who  have  gone  before 
them?  Say,  Wait  ye  the  issue ;  and  I  also  will  wait  with  you :  then  will 
we  deliver 'our  apostles  and  those  who  believe.  Thus  is  it  a  justice  due 
from  us,  that  we  should  deliver  the  tiue  believers.  Say,  O  men  of 
Mecca,  if  ye  be  in  doubt  concerning  my  religion,  verily  J  worship 
not  the  idols  which  ye  worship,  besides  God;  but  I  worship  God,  who 
will  cause  you  to  die:  and  lam  commanded  to  be  one  of  the  tiue 
believers.  And  it  was  said  unto  me,  Set  thy  face  towards  the  true  re- 
ligion, and  be  orthodox ;  and  by  i.o  means  be  one  of  those  who  attribute 
companions  unto  God;  neither  invoke,  besides  God,  lhat  which  can 
neither  profit  thee  nor  hurt  thee:  for  if  thou  do,  thou  wilt  then  cer- 
tainly become  one  of  the  unjust.  If  God  afflict  thee  with  hurt,  there 
is  none  who  can  relieve  thee  from  it,  except  lie;  and  if  he  v.illeth 
thee  any  good,  there  is  none  who  can  keep  back  his  bounty:  he  \\i\] 
confer  ft  on  such  of  his  servants  as  he  pkaseth ;  and  he  is  gracirus 
and  merciful.  Say,  O  men,  now  hath  the  truth  come  unto  you  from 
your  Lord.  He  therefore  who  shall  be  directed,  will  be  directed  to 
the  advantage  of  his  own  soul:  but  he  who  .--hall  err,  will  err  only 
against  the  same.  I  am  no  guardian  over  you.  Do  thou,  O  prophet, 
follow  that  which  is  revealed  unto  thee:  and  persevere  with  patience, 
until  God  shall  judge;  for  he  is  the  best  judge. 


CHAPTER  XL 

ENTITLED,  HTJD;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MO.5T  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  R.  This  book,  the  verses  whereof  are  guarded  against  corrup* 
tion,  arid  are  also  distinctly  explained,  is  a  revelation  from  the  wise, 
the  knowing  God :  that  ye  serve  not  any  other  than  God  (verily  I  am 
a  denouncer  of  threats,  and  a  bearer  of  good  tidings  unto  you  from 
him);  an'd  that  ye  ask  pardon  of  your  Lord,  and  then  be  turned  unto 
him.  I  Ie  will  cause  you  to  enjoy  a  plentiful  provision,  until  a  prefixed 
time :  and  unto  every  one  that  hath  merit  by  good  works,  will  he  give 
his  abundant  reward.  But  if  ye  turn  back,  verily  I  fear  for  you  the 
punishment  of  the  great  day: "unto  God  shall  ye  return;  and  he  is 
almighty.  Do  they  not  double  the  folds  of  their  breasts,  that  they  may 
conceal  their  designs  from  him?  When  they  cover  themselves  with 
their  garments,  doth  not  he  know  that  which  they  conceal,  and  that 
which  they  discover?  For  he  knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  the 
breasts  of  men.  (XII.)  There  is  no  creature  which  creepeth  on  the  earth, 
but  God  provideth  its  food ;  and  he  knoweth  the  place  of  its  retreat, 
and  where  it  is  laid  up.  The  whole  is  written  in  the  perspicuous  book 
of  his  decrees.  It  is  he  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in 
six  days  (but  his  throne  was  above  the  waters  before  the  creation  there- 
of), that  he  might  prove  you,  and  see  which  of  you  would  excel  in 
works.  If  thou  say,  Ye  shall  surely  be  raised  again,  after  death;  the 
unbelievers  will  say,  This  is  nothing  but  manifest  sorcery.  And  verily 
if  we  defer  their  punishment  unto  a  determined  season,  they  will  say, 
What  hindereth  it  from  falling  on  us?  Will  it  not  come  upon  them  on 
a  day  wherein  there  shall  be  none  to  avert  it  from  them;  and  that 
which  they  scoffed  at  shall  encompass  them?  Verily,  if  we  cause  man 
to  taste  mercy  from  us,  and  afterwards  take  it  away  from  him,  he  will 
surely  become  desperate,  and  ungrateful.  And  if  we  cause  him  to  taste 
favour,  after  an  affliction  hath  befallen  him,  he  will  surely  say,  The 
(  vils  which  I  suffered  are  passed  from  me;  and  he  will  become  joyful 
and  insolent:  except  those  who  persevere  with  patience,  and  do  that 
which  is  right:  they  shall  receive  pardon  and  a  .great  reward.  Perad- 
venture  thou  wilt  omit  to  publish  part  of  that  which  hath  been  reveal- 
ed unto  thee,  and  thy  breast  will  become  straitened,  lest  they  say,  Unless 
a  treasure  be  sent  down  unto  him,  or  an  angel  come  with  him,  to  bear 
witness  unto  him,  we  will  not  believe.  Verily  thou  art  a  preacher  only; 
and  God  is  the  governor  of  all  things,  Will  they  say,  He  hath  forged  the 
Koran?  Answer,  Bring  therefore  ten  chapters  like  unto  it,  forged  by 
y-ourselves ;  and  call  on  whomsoever  ye  may  to  assist  you,  except  God.  if 


120  AL  KORAN. 

ye  speak  truth.  But  if  they  whom  ye  call  to  your  assistance  hear  You 
not,  know  that  this  book  hath  been  revealed  by  the  knowledge  of  God 
only,  and  that  there  is  no  God  but  he.  Will  ye  therefore  become  }Io=- 
IrmV.'  Whoso  chooseth  the  present  life,  and  the  pomp  thereof.unto  tlu  m 
will  we  give  the  recompense  of  their  works  therein,  and  the  same  shall 
not  be  diminished  unto  them.  These  are  they  for  whom  no  other  reward 
is  prepared  in  the  next  life,  except  the  fire  of  hell :  that  which  they  have 
done  in  this  life  shall  perish;  and  that  which  they  have  wrought  shall 
l>e  vain.    Shall  he  therefore  be  compared  with  them,  who  followeth  the 
^evident  declaration  of  his   Lord,  and  whom  a  witness  from  him  at 
tendeth,  preceded   by  the  book  of  Moses,  which  was  revealed  for  a 
guide,  and  out  of  mercy  to  mankind?     These  believe  in  the  Koran: 
but  whosoever  of  the    confederate  infidels  believeth  not  therein,  is 
threatened  with  the  fire  of  hell,  which  threat  shall  certainly  be  executed : 
be  not  therefore  in  a  doubt  concerning  it;  for  it  is  the  truth  from  thy 
Lord:  but  the  greater  part  of  men  will  not  believe.     Who  is  more 
unjust  than  he  who  imagineth  a  lie  concerning  God?    They  shall  be 
set  before  their  Lord,  at  the  day  of  judgment,  and  the  witnesses  shall 
say,  These  are  they  who  devised  lies  against  their  Lord.   Shall  not  the 
curse  of  God  fall  on  the  unjust;  who  turn  men  aside  from  the  way  of 
God,  and  seek  to  render  it  crooked,  and  who  believe  not  in  the  life  to 
come?    These  were  not  able  to  prevail  against  God  on  earth,  so  as  to 
escape  punishment;    neither  had  they  any  protectors  besides  God: 
their  punishment  shall  be  doubled  unto  them.     They  could  not  ht-ar, 
neither  did  they  see.     These  are  they  who  have  lost  their  souls;  and 
the  idols  which  they  falsely  imagined  have  abandoned  them.    There  is 
no  doubt  but  they  shall  be  most  miserable  in  the  world  to  come.    But 
as  for  those  who  "believe,  and  do  good  works,  and  humble  themselves 
before  their  Lord,  they  shall  be  the  inhabitants  of  paradise;  they  shall 
remain  therein  for  ever.     The  similitude  of  the  two  parties  is  as  the 
blind  and  the  deaf,  and  as  he  who  seeth  and  heareth :  shall  they  be 
compared  as  equal?    Will  ye  not  therefore  consider?    We  formerly 
sent  Noah  unto  his  people; 'and  he  said,  Verily  I  am  a  public  preacher 
unto  you;  that  ye  worship  God  alone:   verily  I  fear  for  you  the 
punishment  of  the  terrible  day.     But  the  chiefs  of  his  people,  who 
believed  not,  answered,  We  see  thee  to  be  no  other  than  a  man,  like 
unto  us;  and  we  do  not  see  that  any  follow  thee,  except  those  who  are 
the  most  abject  among  us,  who  have  believed  on  thee  by  a  rash  judg- 
ment; neither  do  we  perceive  any  excellence  in  you  above  us:  but 
we  esteem  you  to  be  liars.     Xoah  said,  O  my  people,  tell  me ;  if  I  have- 
received  an  evident  declaration  from  my  Lord,  and  he  hathbesto\v<  <1 
on  me  mercjr  from  himself,  which  is  hidden  from  you,  do  we  compel 
you  to  receive  the  same,  in  case  ye  be  averse  thereto?    O  my  people.  I 
ask  not  of  you  any  riches,  for  my  preaching  unto  you:  my  reward  is 
with  God  alone.     I  will  not  drive  away  those  who  have  believed, 
verily  they  shall  meet  their  Lord,  at  the  resurrection;  but  I  perceive 
that  ye  are  ignorant  men.     O  my  people,  who  shall  assist  me  against 


AL  KORAX.  121 

God,  if  I  drive  them  away?  Will  ye  not  therefore  consider?  I  say  not 
unto  you,  The  treasures  of  God  are  in  my  power ;  neither  do  I  say,  I 
know  the  secrets  of  God ;  neither  do  I  say,  Verily  I  am  an  angel ;  neither 
do  I  say  of  those  whom  your  eyes  do  contemn,  God  will  by  no  means 
bestow  good  on  them  (God  best  knoweth  that  which  is  in  their  souls); 
for  then  should  I  certainly  be  one  of  the  unjust.  They  answered,  O 
Noah,  thou  hast  already  disputed  with  us,  and  hast  multiplied  dis- 
putes with  us;  now  therefore  do  thou  bring  that  punishment  upon  us 
wherewith  thou  ha<t  threatened  us,  if  thou  speakest  truth.  Noah  said, 
Verily  God  alone  shall  bring  it  upon  you,  if  he  pleaseth;  and  ye  shall 
not  prevail  against  him,  so  as  to  escape  the  same.  Neither  shall  my 
counsel  profit  you  although  I  endeavour  to  counsel  you  aright,  if  God 
shall  please  to 'lead  you  into  error.  He  is  your  Lord,  and  unto  him 
shall  ye  return.  Will  the  Meccans  say,  Mohammed  hath  forged  the 
Koran  ?  Answer,  If  I  have  forged  it,  on  me  by  my  guilt ;  and  let  me 
be  clear  of  that  which  ye  are  guilty  of.  And  it  was  revealed  unto 
Noah,  saying.  Verily  none  of  thy  people  shall  believe,  except  he  who 
hath  already  believed:  be  not  therefore  grieved  for  that  which  they 
are  doing.  But  make  an  ark  in  our  presence,  according  to  the  form 
and  dimensions  which  we  have  revealed  unto  thee:  and  speak  not 
unto  me  in  behalf  of  those  who  have  acted  unjustly;  for  they  are 
doomed  to  be  dropped.  And  he  built  the  ark ;  and  so  often  as  a  com- 
pany of  his  people  passed  by  him,  they  derided  him:  but  he  said, 
Though  ye  scoff  at  us  now,  we  will  scoff  at  you  hereafter,  as  ye  scoff 
at  us;  and  ye  shall  surely  know  on  whom  a  punishment  shall  be 
inflicted,  which  shall  cover  him  with  shame,  and  on  whom  a  lasting 
punishment  shall  fall.  Ti'us  were  they  employed  until  our  sen- 
tence was  put  in  execution,  anH  the  oven  poured  forth  water. 

And  we  said  unto  Noah,  Ovrry  into  the  ark  of  every  species  of 
animals  one  pair;  and  thy  family  (except  him  on  whom  a  previous 
sentence  of  destruction  hath  pa?seH),  and  those  who  believed.  But 
there  believed  not  with  him,  except  a  %w.  And  Noah  said,  Embark 
thereon,  in  the  name  of  God;  while  5*  moveth  forward,  and  while 
it  standeth  still;  for  my  Lord  is  gracic-is  and  merciful.  And  the 
ark  swam  with  them  between  waves  like  mountains:  and  Noah  called 
unto  his  son,  who  was  separated  from  him.  saying,  Embark  with  us, 
my  son,  and  stay  not  with  the  unbelievers.  He  answered.  I  will  got 
on  a  mountain,  which  will  secure  me  from  the  water.  Noah  replied. 
There  is  no  security  this  day  from  the  decree  of  God,  except  for 
him  on  whom  he  shall  have  mercy.  And  a  wave  parsed  between  them, 
and  he  became  one  of  those  who  were  drowned.  And  it  was  said,  () 
earth,  swallow  up  thy  waters,  and  thou,  O  heaven,  withhold  thy  rain. 
And  immediately  the  water  abated,  and  the  decree  wa«  fulfilled,  and 
the  ark  rested  on  the  mountain  Al  Judi;  and  it  was  saiJ.  Away  with 
the  ungodly  people  !  And  Noah  called  upon  his  Lord.  »nd  said,  ' 
Lord,  verily  my  son  is  of  my  family;  and  thy  promise  i°  true:  for 
thou  art  the  most  just  of  those  who  exercise  judgment.  God  answered, 


123  AL  KORAN. 

0  Noah,  verily  he  is  not  of  thy  family :  this  intercession  of  thine  for 
him,  is  not  a  righteous  work.     Ask  not  of  me  therefore  that  wherein 
thou  hast  no  knowledge :  I  admonish  thee  that  thou  become  not  one 
of  the  ignorant.     Noah  said,  O  Lord,  I  have  recourse  unto  thee  for 
the  assistance  of  thy  grace,  that  I  ask  not  of  thee  that  wherein  I  have 
no  knowledge :  and  unless  thou  forgive  me,  and  be  merciful  unto  me, 

1  shall  be  one  of  those  who  perish.     It  was  said  unto  him,  O  Noah, 
come  down  from  the  ark,  with  peace  from  us,  and  blessings  upon 
thee  and  upon  a  part  of  those  who  are  with  thee :  but  as  for  a  part  of 
them,  we  will  suffer  them  to  enjoy  the  provision  of  this  world;  and 
afterwards  shall  a  grievous  punishment  from  us  be  inflicted  on  them, 
in  the  life  to  come.     This  is  a  secret  history,  which  we  reveal  unto 
thee:  thou  didst  not  know  it,  neither  did  thy  people,  before  this. 
Wherefore  persevere  with  patience:  for  the  prosperous  issue  shall 
attend  the  pious.     And  unto  the  tribe  of  Ad  we  sent  their  brother 
Hud.     He  said,  O  my  people,  worship  God;  ye  have  no  God  besides 
him :  ye  only  imagine  falsehood,  in  setting  up  idols  and  intercessors 
of  your  own  making.     O  my  people,  I  ask  not  of  you  for  this  my 
preaching,  any  recompense:  my  recompense  do  I  expect  from  him 
only  who  hath  created  me.     AVill  ye  not  therefore  understand?    O 
my  people,  ask  pardon  of  your  Lord;  and  be  turned  unto  him:  he 
will  send  the  heaven  to  pour  forth  rain  plentifully  upon  you,  and  he 
will  increase  your  strength  by  giving  unto  you  farther  strength: 
therefore  turn  not  aside  to  commit  evil.     They  answered,  O  Ilud, 
thou  hast  brought  us  no  proof  of  what  thou  sayest;  therefore  we  will 
not  leave  our  gods  for  thy  saying,  neither  do  we  believe  thee.     We 
say  no  other  than  that  some  of  our  gods  have  afflicted  thee  with  evil. 
He  replied,  Verily  I  call  God  to  witness,  and  do  ye  also  bear  witness, 
that  I  am  clear  of  that  which  ye  associate  with  God,  besides  him.    Do 
ye  all  therefore  join  to  devise  a  plot  against  me,  and  tarry  not;  for  I 
put  my  confidence  in  God,  my  Lord  and  your  Lord.     There  is  no 
beast,  but  he  holdeth  it  by  its  forelock:  verily  my  Lord  proceedcth 
in  the  right  way.     But  if  ye  turn  back,  I  have  already  declared  unto 
you  that  with  which  I  was  sent  unto  you;  and  my  Lord  shall  substi- 
tute another  nation  in  your  stead ;  and  ye  shall  not  hurt  him  at  all : 
for  my  Lord  is  guardian  over  all  things.     And  when  our  sentence 
came  to  be  put  in  execution,  we  delivered  Hud,  and  those  who  had 
believed  with  him,  through  our  mercy;  and  we  delivered  them  from 
a  grievous  punishment.     And  this  tribe  of  Ad  wittingly  rejected  the 
signs  of  their  Lord,  and  were  disobedient  unto  his  messengers,  and 
they  followed  the  command  of  every  rebellious  perverse  person. 
Wherefore  they  were  followed  in  this"  world  by  a  curse,  and  they 
shall  be  followed  by  the  same  on  the  day  of  resurrection.     Did  not 
Ad  disbelieve  in  their  Lord?     Was  it  not  said,  Away  with  Ad,  the 
people  of  Hud?    And  unto  the  tribe  of  Thamud  we  sent  their 
brother  Saleh.     He  said  unto  them,  O  my  people,  worship  God;  ye 
have  no  god  besides  him.     It  is  he  who  hath  produced  you  out  of 


AL  KOftAtf.  123 

the  eartli,  and  hath  given  you  an  habitation  therein.  Ask  pardon  of 
him,  therefore,  and  be  turned  unto  him ;  for  my  Lord  is  near,  and 
ready  to  answer.  They  answered,  O  Saleh,  thou  wast  a  person  on 
whom  we  placed  our  hopes  before  this.  Dost  thou  forbid  us  to  wor- 
ship that  which  our  fathers  worshipped?  But  we  are  certainly  in 
doubt  concerning  the  religion  to  which  thou  dost  invite  us,  as  justly 
to  be  expected.  Saleh  said,  O  my  people,  tell  me ;  if  I  have  received  an 
evident  declaration  from  my  Lord,  and  he  hath  bestowed  on  me  mercy 
from  himself;  who  will  protect  me  from  the  vengeance  of  God,  if  I  be 
disobedient  unto  him?  For  ye  shall  not  add  unto  me,  other  than  loss. 
And  he  said.  O  my  people,  this  she-camel  of  God  is  a  sign  unto  you; 
therefore  dismiss  her  freely  that-  she  may  feed  in  God's  earth, and  do 
her  no  harm,  lest  a  swift  punishment  seize  you.  Yet  they  killed  her; 
and  Saleh  said,  Enjoy  yourselves  in  your  dwellings  for  three  days; 
after  which  ye  shall  he  destroyed.  This  is  an  infallible  prediction. 
And  when  our  decree  came  to  be  executed,  we  delivered  Saleh  and 
those  who  believed  with  him,  through  our  mercy,  from  the  disgrace 
of  that  day ;  for  thy  Lord  is  the  strong,  the  mighty  God.  But  a  ter- 
rible noise  from  heaven  assailed  those  who  had  acted  unjustly;  and 
in  the  morning  they  were  found  in  their  houses,  lying  dead  and  pros- 
trate; as  though  they  had  never  dwelt  therein.  Did  not  Thamud 
disbelieve  in  their  Lord?  Was  not  Thamud  cast  far  away?  Our 
messengers  also  came  formerly  unto  Abraham,  with  good  tidings: 
they  said.  Peace  be  upon  thee.  And  he  answered,  And  on  you  be 
peace!  and  he  tarried  not,  but  brought  a  roasted  calf.  And  when  lie 
saw  that  their  hands  did  not  touch  the  meat,  he  misliked  them,  and 
entertained  a  fear  of  them.  But  they  said,  Fear  not:  for  we  are  sent 
unto  the  people  of  Lot.  And  his  wife  Sarah  was  standing  by,  and 
she  laughed;  and  we  promised  her  Isaac,  and  after  Isaac,  Jacob. 
She  said,  Alas!  shall  I  bear  a  son,  who  am  old;  this  my  husband  also 
being  advanced  in  years?  Verily  this  would  be  a  wonderful  thing. 
The  angels  answered,  Dost  thou  wonder  at  the  effect  of  the  command 
of  God?  The  mercy  of  God  and  his  blessings  be  upon  you,  the 
family  of  the  house:  for  he  is  praiseworthy,  and  to  be  glorified.  And 
when  his  apprehension  had  departed  from  Abraham,  and  the  good 
tidings  of  Isaac's  birth  had  come  unto  him,  he  disputed  with  us  con- 
ccrning  the  people  of  Lot:  for  Abraham  was  a  pitiful,  compassionate, 
and  devout  person.  The  angels  said  unto  him,  O  Abraham,  abstain 
from  this;  for  now  is  the  command  of  thy  Lord  come,  to  put  their 
sentence  in  execution,  and  an  inevitable  punishment  is  ready  to  fall 
upon  them.  And  when  our  messengers  came  unto  Lot,  he  was 
troubled  for  them,  and  his  arm  was  straitened  concerning  them,  and 
he  said,  This  is  a  grievous  day.  And  his  people  came  unto  him, 
rushing  upon  him:  and  they  had  formerly  been  guilty  of  wickedness. 
Lot  said  unto  them,  O  my  people,  the>e  my  daughters  are  more  law- 
ful for  you :  therefore  fear  God,  and  put  me  not  to  shame  by  wrong- 
ing my  guests-  Is  there  not  a  man  of  prudence  among  you?  They 


124  AL  KORAK. 

answered,  Thou  knowest  that  we  have  no  need  of  thy  daughters ;  and 
thou  well  knowest  what  we  would  have.  He  said,  If  I  had  strength 
sufficient  to  oppose  you,  or  I  could  have  recourse  unto  a  powerful  sup- 
port, I  would  certainly  do  it.  The  angels  said,  O  Lot,  verily  we  are 
the  messengers  of  thy  Lord ;  they  shall  by  no  means  come  in  unto  thee. 
Go  forth  therefore  with  thy  family,  in  some  part  of  the  night,  and 
let  not  any  of  you  turn  hack;  hut  a.s  for  thy  wife,  that  shall  happen 
unto  her,  which  shall  happen  unto  them.  Verily  the  prediction  of  their 
punishment  shall  be  fulfilled  in  the  morning:  is  not  the  morning  near? 
And  when  our  command  came,  we  turned  those  cities  upside  down, 
and  we  rained  upon  them  stones  of  baked  clay,  one  following  another, 
and  being  marked,  from  thy  Lord;  and  they  are  not  far  distant  from 
those  who  act  unjustly.  And  unto  Madiau  we  sent  their  brother 
Shoaib:  he  said,  O  my  people,  worship  God  :"yc  have  no  God  but  him: 
and  diminish  not  measure  and  weight.  Verily  I  see  you  to  be  in  a 
happy  condition:  hut  I  fear  for  you  the  punishment  of  the  day  which 
will  encompass  the  ungodly.  O  my  people,  give  full  measure  and  just 
weight;  and  diminish  not  unto  men  ought  of  their  matters;  neither 
commit  injustice  in  the  earth,  acting  corruptly.  The  residue  which 
shall  remain  unto  you  as  the  gift  of  God,  after  ye  shall  have  done 
justice  to  others,  will  be  better  for  you  than  wealth  gotten  bj*  fraud ;  if 
ye  be  true  believers.  I  am  no  guardian  over  you.  They  an>wered,  O 
Shoaib,  do  thy  prayers  enjoin  thee,  that  we  should  leave  the  gods 
which  our  fathers  worshipped;  or  that  we  should  not  do  what  we 
please  with  our  substance?  Thou  only,  it  seems,  art  the  wise  per- 
son, and  fit  to  direct.  He  said,  O  my  people,  tell  me ;  if  I  have  re- 
ceived an  evident  declaration  from  my  Lord,  and  he  hath  bestowed 
on  me  an  excellent  provision,  and  I  will  not  consent  unto  you  in  that 
which  I  forbid  you:  do  I  seek  any  other  than  your  reformation,  to 
the  utmost  of  my  power?  My  sup'port  is  from  God  alone;  on  him  do 
I  trust,  and  unto  him  do  I  turn  me.  O  my  people,  let  not  your  op- 
posing of  me  draw  on  you  a  vengeance  like  unto  that  which  fell  on 
the  people  of  Noah,  of  the  people  of  Ilud,  or  the  people  of  Saleh; 
neither  was  the  people  of  Lot  far  distant  from  you.  A>k  ]  union 
therefore  of  your  Lord;  and  be  turned  unto  him:  for  my  Lord  is 
merciful  and  loving.  They  answered.  O  Shoaib,  we  understand  not 
much  of  what  thou  sayest;  and  we  see  thee  to  be  a  man  of  no  power 
among  us:  if  it  had  'not  been  for  the  sake  of  tin- family,  we  had 
surely  stoned  thee,  neither  couldst  thou  have  prevailed  against  us. 
Shoaib  said,  O  my  people,  is  my  family  more  worthy  in  your  opinion 
than  God?  and  do  ye  cast  him  behind  you  with  neglect?  Verily  my 
Lord  comprehendeth  that  which  ye  do.  O  my  people,  do  ye  work 
according  to  your  condition;  I  will  surely  work  according  to  my 
duty.  And  ye  shall  certainly  know  on  whom  will  be  inflicted  a  pun- 
ishment which  shall  cover  him  with  shame,  and  who  is  a  liar.  "Wait 
therefore  the  event;  for  I  also  will  wait  it  with  you.  "\Vherefore 
•when  our  decree  came  to  be  executed,  we  delivered  Shoaib  and  those 


AL  KORAN.       -  125 

who  believed  with  him,  through  our  mercy:  and  a  terrible  noise  from 
heaven  assailed  those  who  had  acted  unjustly;  and  in  the  morning 
they  were  found  in  their  houses  lying  dead  and  prostrate,  as  though 
they  had  never  dwelt  therein.  Was  not  Madian  removed  from  off  the 
earth,  as  Thamud  had  been  removed?  And  \ve  formerly  sent  Moses 
with  our  signs,  and  manifest  power,  unto  Pharaoh  and  his  princes- 
but  they  followed  the  command  of  Phanio'.i;  although  the  command 
of  Pharaoh  did  not  direct  them  aright.  Pharaoh  shall  precede  his 
people  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  and  lie  shall  lead  them  into  hell 
tire;  an  unhappy  way  shall  it  be  whicii  they  shall  be  led.  They  were 
followed  in  this  life  by  a  curse,  and  on  the  day  of  resurrection  mise:- 
able  shall  be  the  gift  which  shall  be  given  them.  This  is  a  part  of 
the  histories  of  the  cities,  which  we  rehearse  unto  thee.  Of  them 
there  are  some  standing;  and  others  which  are  utterly  demolished. 
And  we  treated  them  not  unjustly,  hut  they  dealt  unjustly  with  their 
own  souls:  'and  their  go  Is  whi,  h  they  invoked,  besides  God,  were 
of  no  advantage  u:ito  them  at  all,  when  the  decree  of  thy  Lord  came 
to  lw  executed  on  them,  neither  were  they  any  other  than  a  detri- 
ment unto  them.  And  thus  was  the  punishment  of  thy  Lord  in- 
flicted, when  he  punished  the  cities  which  were  unjust;  for  his  pun- 
ishment is  grievous  and  severe.  Verily  herein  is  a  sign  unto  him 
who  feareth  the  punishment  of  the  last  day:  that,  shall  be  a  day 
whereon  all  men  shall  be  assembled,  and  that  shall  be  a  day  whereon 
witness  shall  be  borne;  we  defer  it  not,  but  to  a  determined  time. 
When  that  day  shall  come,  no  soul  shall  speak  to  excuse  itself,  or  to 
intercede  for  another,  but  by  the  permission  of  God.  Of  them  one 
shall  be  miserable,  and  another  shall  be  happy.  And  they  who  shall 
be  miserable,  shall  be  thrown  into  hell  tire;  there  shall  they  wail  and 
bemoan  themselves:  they  shall  remain  therein  so  long  as  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  shall  endure;  except  what  thy  Lord  shall  please  to 
remit  of  their  sentence;  for  thy  Lord  effecteth  'that  which  he  pleaseth. 
But  they  who  shall  be  happy,  shall  be  admitted  into  paradise;  they 
shall  remain  therein  so  long  as  the  heavens  and  the  earth  endure; 
besides  what  thy  Lord  shall  please  to  add  unto  their  bliss;  a  bounty 
which  shall  not  be  interrupted.  Be  not  therefore  in  doubt  concern- 
ing that  which  these  men  worship;  they  worship  no  other  than  what 
their  lathers  worshipped  lief  ore  them;  and  we  will  surely  give  them 
their  full  portion,  not  in  the  least  diminished.  We  formerly  gave 
:mto  Moses  the  book  of  the  law;  and  di.-putes.  arose  among  his  people 
concerning  it:  and  unless  a  previous  decree  had  proceeded  from  thy 
Lord,  to  bear  with  them  during  this  life,  the  matter  had  been  surely 
decided  between  them.  And  thy  people  are  also  jealous  and  in  doubt 
concerning  the  Koran.  But  unto  every  one  of  them  will  thy  Lord 
render  the  reward  of  their  works;  for  he  well  knoweth  thaf  which 
they  do.  Be  thou  steadfast,  therefore,  as  thou  hast  been  commanded; 
and  let  him  also  be  steadfast  who  shall  be  converted  with  thee;  and 
transgress  not:  for  he  seeth  that  which  ye  do.  And  incline  not  unto 


126  AL  KORAN. 

those  who  act  unjustly,  lest  the  fire  of  hell  touch  you:  for  ye  have  no 
protectors,  except  God;  neither  shall  ye  be  assisted  against  him. 
Pray  regularly  morning  and  evening:  and  in  the  former  part  of  the 
night,  for  good  works  drive  away  evils.  This  is  an  admonition  unto 
those  who  consider:  wherefore  persevere  with  patience:  for  God 
suffereth  not  the  reward  of  the  righteous  to  perish.  Were  such  of 
the  generations  before  you,  endued  with  understanding  and  virtue, 
who  forbade  the  acting  corruptly  in  the  earth,  any  more  than  a  few 
only  of  those  whom  we  delivered?  But  they  who  were  unjust  fol- 
lowed the  delights  which  they  enjoyed  in  this  world,  and  were  wicked 
doers:  and  thy  Lord  was  not  of  such  a  disposition  as  to  destroy  the 
cities  unjustly,  while  their  inhabitants  behaved  themselves  uprightly. 
And  if  thy  Lord  pleased,  he  would  have  made  all  men  of  one  re- 
ligion: but  they  shall  not  cease  to  differ  among  themselves,  unless 
those  on  whom  thy  Lord  shall  have  mercy:  and  unto  this  hath  he 
created  them;  for  the  word  of  thy  Lord  shall  be  fulfilled,  when  he 
said,  Verily  I  will  fill  hell  altogether  with  genii  and  men.  The  whole 
which  we  have  related  of  the  histories  of  our  apostles  do  we  relate 
unto  thee,  that  we  may  confirm  thy  heart  thereby;  and  herein  is  tl.c 
truth  come  unto  thee,  and  an  admonition,  and  a  warning  unto  the 
true  believers.  Say  unto  those  who  believe  not,  Act  ye  according  to 
your  condition;  we  surely  will  act  according  to  our  "duty:  and  wait 
the  issue;  for  we  certainly  wait  it  also.  Unto  God  is  known  that 
which  is  secret  in  heaven  and  earth;  and  unto  him  shall  the  whole 
matter  be  referred.  Therefore  worship  him,  and  put  thy  trust  in 
him ;  for  thy  Lord  is  not  regardless  of  that  which  ye  do. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

ENTITLED,    JOSEPH;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IX  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  R.  These  are  the  signs  of  the  perspicuous  book;  which  we 
have  sent  down  in  the  Arabic  tongue,  that  peradventure  ye  might 
understand.  We  relate  unto  thee  a  most  excellent  history,  by  reveal- 
ing unto  thee  this  Koran,  whereas  thou  wast  before  one  of  the  negli- 
gent. When  Joseph  said  unto  his  father,  O  my  father,  verily  I  saw 
in  my  dream  eleven  stars,  and  the  sun  and  the  moon;  I  saw  them 
make  obeisance  unto  me.  Jacob  said,  O  my  child,  tell  not  thy  vision 
to  thy  brethren,  lest  they  devise  some  plot  against  thee;  for  the  devil 
is  a  professed  enemy  unto  man :  and  thus,  according  to  thy  dream, 
shall  thy  Lord  choose  thee.  and  teach  thee  the  interpretation  of  dark 
sayings,  and  he  shall  accomplish  his  favour  upon  thee  and  upon  the 
family  of  Jacob,  as  he  hath  formerly  accomplished  it  upon  thy  fathers 
Abraham  and  Isaac;  for  thy  Lord  is  knowing  and  wise.  Surely  in 
vtie  history  of  Joseph  and  his  brethren  there  are  signs  of  God's  provi- 


AL  KORAN.  127 

dence  to  the  inquisitive ;  when  they  said  to  one  another,  Joseph  and 
his  brother  are  dearer  to  our  father  than  we,  who  are  the  greater 
number;  our  father  certainly  maketh  a  wrong  judgment.  Where- 
fore slay  Joseph,  or  drive  him  into  some  distant  or  desert  part  of  the 
earth,  and  the  face  of  your  father  shall  be  cleared  towards  you ;  and 
ye  shall  afterwards  be  people  of  integrity.  One  of  them  spoke  and 
said,  Slay  not  Joseph,  but  throw  him  to  the  bottom  of  the  well ;  and 
some  travellers  will  take  him  up,  if  ye  do  this.  They  said  unto 
Jacob,  O  father,  why  dost  thou  not  entrust  Jcseph  with  us,  since 
we  are  sincere  well-wishers  unto  him  ?  Send  him  with  us  to-morrow, 
>nto  the  field,  that  he  may  divert  himself,  and  sport,  and  we  will  be 
his  guardians.  Jacob  answered,  It  grieveth  me  that  ye  take  him 
away;  and  I  fear  lest  the  wolf  devour  him,  while  ye  are  negligent  of 
him.  They  said,  Surely  if  the  wolf  devour  him  when  there  are  so 
many  of  us,  we  shall  be  weak  indeed.  And  when  they  had  carried 
him  with  them,  and  agreed  to  set  him  at  the  bottom  of  the  well,  they 
executed  their  design :  and  we  sent  a  revelation  unto  him,  saying, 
Thou  shall  hereafter  declare  this  their  action  unto  them;  and  they 
shall  not  perceive  thee  to  be  Joseph.  And  they  came  to  their  father 
at  even,  weeping,  and  said,  Father,  we  went  and  ran  races  with  one 
another,  and  we  left  Joseph  with  our  baggage,  and  the  wolf  hath 
devoured  him;  but  thou  wilt  not  believe  us,  although  we  speak  the 
truth.  And  they  produced  his  inner  garment  stained  with  false  blood. 
Jacob  answered,  Nay,  but  ye  yourselves  have  contrived  the  thing  for 
your  own  sakes;  however,  patience  is  most  becoming,  and  God's 
assistance  is  to  be  implored  to  enable  me  to  support  the  misfortune 
which  ye  relate.  And  certain  travellers  came,  and  sent  one  to  draw 
water  for  them :  and  he  let  down  his  bucket,  and  said,  Good  news! 
this  is  a  youth.  Ami  they  concealed  him,  that  they  might  sell  him 
as  a  piece  of  merchandise :  but  God  knew  that  which  they  did.  And 
they  sold  him  for  a  mean  price,  for  a  few  pence,  and  valued  him 
lightly.  And  the  Egyptian  who  bought  him  said  to  his  wife,  Use  him 
honourably ;  peradventure  he  may  be  serviceable  to  us,  or  we  may 
adopt  him  for  our  son.  Thus  did  we  prepare  an  establishment  for 
Joseph  in  the  earth,  and  we  taught  him  the  interpretation  of  dark 
sayings:  for  God  is  well  able  to  effect  his  purpose;  but  the  greater 
part  of  men  do  not  understand.  And  when  he  had  attained  his  age 
of  strength,  we  bestowed  on  him  wisdom  and  knowledge;  for  thus 
do  we  recompense  the  righteous.  And  she,  in  whose  house  he  was, 
desired  him  to  lie  with  her;  and  she  shut  the  doors  and  said,  Come 
hither.  He  answered,  God  forbid!  verily  my  lord  hath  made  my 
dwelling  with  him  easy;  and  the  ungrateful  shall  not  prosper.  But 
she  resolved  within  herself  to  enjoy  him,  and  he  would  have  re- 
solved to  enjoy  her,  had  he  not  seen  the  evident  demonstration  of 
his  Lord.  So  we  turned  away  evil  and  fllthiness  from  him,  be- 
cause he  was  one  of  our  sincere  servants.  And  they  ran  to  get  one 
before  the  other  to  the  door;  and  she  rent  his  inner  garment  be- 


128  AL  KORAN. 

hind.  And  they  met  her  lord  at  the  door.  She  said,  "What  shall 
be  the  reward  of  him  who  seeketh  to  commit  evil  in  thy  family,  but 
imprisonment,  and  a  painful  punishment?  And  Joseph  said,  She 
asked  me  to  lie  with  her.  And  a  witness  of  her  family  bore  witness, 
saying,  If  his  garment  be  rent  before,  she  speaketh  truth,  and  he  is  a 
liar:  but  if  his  garment  be  rent  behind,  she  lieth.  and  he  is  a  speaker 
of  truth.  And  when  her  husband  saw  that  his  garment  was  torn 
behind,  he  said,  This  is  a  cunning  contrivance  of  your  sex ;  for  surely 
your  cunning  is  great.  O  Joseph,  take  no  farther  notice  of  this  affair: 
and  thou,  O  woman,  ask  pardon  for  thy  crime,  for  thou  art  a  guilty 
person.  And  certain  women  said  publicly  in  the  city,  The  noble- 
man's wife  asked  her  servant  to  lie  with  her:  he  hath  inflamed  her 
breast  with  his  love;  and  we  perceive  her  to  be  in  a  manifest  error. 
And  when  she  heard  of  their  subtle  behaviour,  she  sent  unto  them, 
and  prepared  a  banquet  for  them,  and  she  gave  to  each  of  them  a 
knife;  and  she  said  unto  Joseph,  Come  forth  unto  them.  And  when 
they  saw  him  they  praised  him  greatly;  and  they  cut  their  own 
hands,  and  said,  O  God!  this  is  not  a  mortal;  he  is  no  other  than  an 
angel,  deserving  the  highest  respect.  And  his  mistress  said,  This  is 
he  for  whose  sake  ye  blamed  me:  I  asked  him  to  lie  with  me,  but  he 
hath  constantly  refused.  But  if  he  do  not  perform  that  which  I 
command  him,  he  shall  surely  be  cast  into  prison,  and  he  shall  be 
made  one  of  the  contemptible.  Joseph  said,  O  Lord,  a  prison  is  more 
eligible  unto  me  than  the  crime  to  which  they  invite  me;  but  unless 
thou  turn  aside  their  snares  from  me,  I  shall  youthfully  incline  unto 
them,  and  I  shall  become  one  of  the  foolish.  Wherefore  his  Lord 
heard  him,  and  turned  aside  their  snare  from  him;  for  he  both 
heareth  and  knoweth.  And  it  seemed  good  unto  them,  even  after 
they  had  seen  the  signs  of  his  innocency,  to  imprison  him  for  a  time. 
And  there  entered  into  the  prison  with  him  two  of  the  king's  ser- 
vants. One  of  them  said,  It  seemed  to  me  in  my  dream  that  I  press- 
ed wine  out  of  grapes.  And  the  other  said,  It  seemed  unto  me  in 
my  dream  that  I  carried  bread  on  my  head,  whereof  the  birds  did 
eat.  Declare  unto  us  the  interpretation  of  our  dreams,  for  we  per- 
ceive that  thou  art  a  beneficent  person.  Joseph  answered,  No  food, 
wherewith  ye  may  be  nourished,  shall  come  unto  you,  but  I  will 
declare  unto  you  the  interpretation  thereof  before  it  come  unto  you. 
This  knowledge  is  a  part  of  that  which  my  Lord  hath  taught  me:  for 
I  have  left  the  religion  of  people  who  believe  not  in  God,  and 
who  deny  the  life  to  come;  and  I  follow  the  religion  of  my 
fathers,  Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob.  It  is  not  lawful  for 
us  to  associate  anything  with  God.  This  knowledge  of  the  divine 
unity  hath  been  given  us  of  the  bounty  of  God  towards  us,  and 
towards  mankind;  but  the  greater  part  of  men  are  not  thankful.  O 
my  fellow-prisoners,  are  sundry  lords  better,  or  the  only  true  and 
mighty  God?  Ye  worship  not,  besides  him,  other  than  the  names 
which  ye  have  named,  ye  and  your  fathers,  concerning  which  God 


AL  KORAN.  129 

hath  sent  down  no  authoritative  proof:  yet  judgment  btuvjugeth  unto 
God  alone ;  who  hath  commanded  that  ye  worship  none  besides  him. 
This  is  the  right  religion ;  but  the  greater  part  of  men  know  it  not. 

0  my  fellow -prisoners,  verily  the  one  of  you  shall  serve  wine  unto 
3: is  lord,  as  formerly;  but  the  other  shall  be  crucified,  and  the  birds 
shall  eat  from  off  his  head.     The  matter  is  decreed  concerning  which 
ye  seek  to  be  informed.     And  Joseph  said  uiite  him  whom  he  judged 
t )  be  the  person  who  should  escape  of  the  two,  Remember  me  in 
the  presence  of  thy  lord.    But  the  devil  caused  him  to  forget  to  make 
mention  of  Joseph  unto  his  lord;  wherefore  he  remained  in  the  prison 
.some  years.     And  the  king  of  Egypt  said,  Verily  I  saw  in  my  dream 
s  'ven  fat  kine,  which  seven  lean  kine  devoured,  and  seven  green  ears 
of  corn,  and  other  seven  withered  ears.    O  nobles,  expound  my  vision 
unto  me,  if  ye  be  able  to  interpret  a  vision.     They  answered.  They 
:  re  confused  dreams;  neither  are  we  skilled  in  the  interpretation  of 
-  u-li  kind  of  dreams.     And  Joseph's  fellow-prisoner,  who  had  been 
delivered,  said  (for  be  remembered  Joseph  after  a  certain  space  of 
time),  I  will  declare  unto  you  the  interpretation  thereof;  wherefore  let 
me  go  unto  the  person  who  will  interpret  it  unto  me.     And  he  went 
to  the  prison,  and  said,  O  Joseph,  thou  man  of  veracity,  teach  us 
tlic  interpretation  of  seven  fat  kine,  which  seven  lean  kiue  devoured, 
and  of  seven  green  ears  of  corn;  and  other  seven  withered  ears,  which 

1  he  king  saw  in  his  dream;  that  I  may  return  unto  the  men  who 
have  sent  me,  that  peradventure  they  may  understand  the  same. 
Joseph  answered,  Ye  shall  sow  seven  years  as  usual:  and  the  eJ'-u 
which  ye  shall  reap,  do  ye  leave  in  its  ear,  except  a  little  whereof  ye 
may  eat.     Then  shall  there  come,  after  this,  seven  grievous  y  jars  of 
famine,  which  shall  consume  what  ye  shall  have  laid  up  as  a  provision 
for  the  same,  except  a  little  which  ye  shall  have  kept.     Then  shall 
there  come  after  this,  a  year  wherein  men  shall  have  plenty  of  rain, 
and  wherein  they  shall  press  wine  and  oil.     And  when  the  chief  but- 
ler had  reported  this,  the  king  said,  Bring  him  unto  me.    And  when  the 
messenger  came  unto  Joseph,  he  said,  Return  unto  thy  lord,  and  ask 
of  him,  what  was  the  intent  of  the  women,  who  cut  their  hands;  for 
my  Lord  well  knoweth  the  snare  which  they  laid  for  me.    And  when 
the  women  were  assembled  before  the  king,  he  said  unto  them,  What 
was  your  design  when  ye  solicited  Joseph  to  unlawful  love?     Theyj 
answered,  God  be  praised!  we  know  not  any  ill  of  him.     The  noble- 
man's wife  said,  Now  is  the  truth  become  manifest:  I  solicited  him 
to  lie  with  me :  and  he  is  one  of  those  who  speak  truth.     And  when 
Joseph  was  acquainted  therewith,  he  said,  This  discovery  hath  been 
made,  that  my  lord  might  know  that  I  was  not  unfaithful  unto  him 
in  his  absence,  and  that  God  directeth  not  the  plot  of  the  deceivers. 
(XIII.)    Neither  do  I  absolutely  justify  myself:  .since  every  soul  is 
prone  unto  evil,  except  those  on  whom  my  Lord  shall  show  mercy; 
for  my  Lord  is  gracious  and  merciful.     And  the  king  said,  Bring 
him  unto  me :  I  will  take  him  into  my  own  peculiar  service.     And 


130  AL  KORAN. 

when  Joseph  was  brought  unto  the  king,  and  he  had  discoursed 
with  him,  he  said,  Thou  art  this  day  firmly  established  with  us, 
and  shalt  be  entrusted  with  our  affairs.  Joseph  answered,  Set  me 
over  the  store-houses  of  the  land;  for  I  will  be  a  skilful  keeper  thereof. 
Thus  did  we  establish  Joseph  in  the  land,  that  he  might  provide 
himself  a  dwelling  therein,  where  he  pleased.  We  bestow  our  mercy 
on  whom  we  please,  and  we  suffer  not  the  reward  of  the  righteous  to 
perish:  and  certainly  the  reward  of  the  next  life  is  better,  for  tho.-e 
who  believe  and  fear  God.  Moreover  Joseph's  brethren  came,  and 
went  in  unto  him ;  and  he  knew  them,  but  they  knew  not  him.  And 
when  he  had  furnished  them  with  their  provisions,  he  said,  Bring  unto 
me  your  brother,  the  son  of  your  father:  do  ye  not  see  that  I  give  full 
measure,  and  that  I  am  the  most  hospitable  receiver  of  guests?  But 
if  ye  bring  him  not  unto  me,  there  shall  be  no  corn  measured  unto  you 
from  me,  neither  shall  ye  approach  my  presence.  They  answered,  We 
will  endeavour  to  obtain  him  of  his  father,  and  we  will  certainly  per- 
form what  thou  requirest.  And  Joseph  said  to  his  servants,  Put  their 
money  which  they  have  paid  for  their  corn,  into  their  sacks,  that  they 
may  percieve  it;  when  they  shall  be  returned  to  their  family:  peracl- 
venture  they  will  come  back  unto  us.  And  when  they  were*  returned 
unto  their  father,  they  said,  O  father,  it  is  forbidden  to  measure  out 
corn  unto  us  anymore,  unless  we  carry  our  brother  Benjamin  with  us: 
wherefore  send  our  brother  with  us,  and  we  shall  have  corn  measured 
unto  us:  and  we  will  certainly  guard  him  from  any  mischance.  Jacob 
answered,  Shall  I  trust  him  with  you  with  any  better  success  than  I 
trusted  your  brother  Joseph  with  you  heretofore?  But  God  is  the  best 
guardian;  and  he  is  the  most  merciful  of  those  who  show  mercy.  And 
when  they  opened  their  provisions,  they  found  their  money  had  been 
returned  unto  them ;  and  they  said,  O  father,  what  do  we  desire  fart  her? 
this  our  money  hath  been  returned  unto  us:  we  will  therefore  return, 
and  provide  corn  for  our  family:  we  will  take  care  of  our  brother;  and 
we  shall  receive  a  camel:s  burden  more  than  we  did  the  last  time.  This 
is  a  small  quantity.  Jacob  said,  I  will  by  no  means  send  him  with 
you,  until  ye  give  me  a  solemn  promise,  and  swear  by  God  that  ye 
will  certainly  bring  him  back  unto  me,  unless  ye  be  encompassed  by 
;  some  inevitable  impediment.  And  when  they  had  given  him  their 
\K>lemn  promise,  he  said  God  is  witness  of  what  we  say.  And  he 
said,  My  sons,  enter  not  into  the  city  by  one  and  the  same  gate;  but 
enter  by  different  gates.  But  this  precaution  will  be  of  no  advantage 
unto  you  against  the  decree  of  God  ;  for  judgment  belongeth  unto 
God  alone  :  in  him  do  I  put  my  trust,  and  in  him  let  those  confide 
who  seek  in  whom  to  put  their  trust.  And  when  they  entered  the  city, 
as  their  father  had  commanded  them,  it  was  of  no  advantage  unto 
them  against  the  decree  of  God  ;  and  the  same  served  only  to  satisfy 
the  desire  of  Jacob's  soul,  which  he  had  charged  them  to  perform 
for  ne  was  endued  with  knowledge  of  that  which  we  had  taught  him; 
but  the  greater  part  of  men  do  not  understand.  And  when  they 


AL  RORAK.  i:-,J 

entered  into  the  presence  of  Joseph,  lie  received  his  brother  Benjamin 
as  his  guest,  and  said  Vurily  I  am  thy  brother:  be  not  therefore 
afflicted  for  that  which  they  have  committed  against  us.  And  when 
he  had  furnished  them  with  their  provisions,  he  put  his  cup  in  his  bro- 
ther Benjamin's  sack.  Then  v  crier  cried  after  them,  saying,  O  com- 
pany of  travellers,  ye  are  surety  thieves.  They  said  (and  turned  back 
unto  them),  What  is  it  that  ye  miss  ?  They  answered,  We  miss  the 
prince's  cup  :  and  unto  him  who  shall  produce  it,  shall  be  given  a 
camel's  load  of  corn;  and  I  will  be  surety  for  the  same.  Josephs 
brethren  replied,  By  God,  ye  do  well  know  that  we  come  not  to  act 
3orruptly  in  the  laud,  neither  are  we  thieves.  The  Egyptians  said, 
What  shall  be  the  reward  of  Him  who  shall  appear  to  have  stolen  the 
cup,  if  ye  be  found  liars  '!  Joseph's  brethren  answered,  As  to  the  re- 
ward of  him  in  whose  sack  it  shall  be  found,  let  him  become  a  bondman 
in  satisfaction  for  the  barne  :  thus  do  we  reward  the  unjust,  who  are 
guilty  of  theft.  Then  he  began  by  their  sacks,  before  he  searched  the 
sack  of  his  brother  ;  and  he  drew  out  the  cup  from  his  brother's  sack. 
Thus  did  we  furnish  Joseph  with  a  stratagem.  It  was  not  lawful  for 
him  to  take  his  brother  for  a  bondman,  by  the  law  of  the  king  of 
Egypt,  had  not  God  pleased  to  allow  it,  according  to  the  offer  of  his 
brethren.  We  exalt  to  degrees  of  knowledge  and  honour  whom  we 
please  •  and  there  is  one  who  is  knowing  above  all  those  who  are 
endued  with  knowledge.  His  brethren  said,  If  Benjamin  be  guilty  of 
theft,  his  brother  Joseph  hath  been  also  guilty  of  theft  heretofore.  But 
Joseph  concealed  these  things  in  his  mind,  and  did  not  discover  them 
unto  them  ;  and  he  said  within  himself.  Ye  are  in  a  worse  condition 
than  us  two  ;  and  God  best  kuoweth  what  ye  discourse  about. 
They  said  unto  Joseph,  Xoble  lord,  Verily  this  lad  hath  an  aged 
father;  wherefore  take  one  of  us  in  his  stead  ;  for  we  perceive  that 
thou  art  a  beneficent  person.  Joseph  answered,  God  forbid  that  we 
should  take  any  other  than  him  with  whom  we  found  our  goods; 
for  then  should  we  certainly  be  unjust.  And  when  they  despaired 
of  obtaining  Benjamin,  they  retired  to  confer  privately  together. 
And  the  elder  of  them  said,  Do  ye  not  know  that  your  father  hath 
received  a  solemn  promise  from  you,  in  the  name  of  God  ;  and  how 
perfidiously  ye  behaved  heretofore  towards  Joseph  ?  Wherefore 
I  will  by  no  means  depart  the  land  of  Egypt,  until  my  father  give  me 
leave  to  return  unto  him,  or  God  maketh  known  his  will  to  me  ;  for 
he  is  the  best,  judge.  Return  ye  to  your  father,  and  say,  O  father, 
verily  thy  son  hath  committed  theft;  we  beai  witness  of  no  more 
than  what  we  know,  and  we  could  not  guard  against  wh;>t  we  did 
not  foresee:  and  do  thou  inquiie  in  the  city  where  we  have  been, 
and  of  the  company  of  merchants  with  whom  we  are  arrived,  and 
thou  wilt  find  that  we  speak  the  truth.  And  whrn  they  were  returned 
and  had  thus  spoken  to  their  father,  he  said.  Nay.  but  rather  ye  your- 
selves have  contrived  the  thing  for  your  own  sakes  :  but  patience  is 
most  proper  for  me  ;  perad venture  tfod  will  restore  them  all  unto  me; 


132  AL  KORAN. 

for  he  is  knowing  and  wise.  And  he  turned  from  them  and  said, 
Oh,  how  am  I  grieved  for  Joseph  !  And  his  eyes  became  white  with 
mourning,  he  being  oppressed  with  deep  sorrow.  His  sons  said, 
By  God,  thou  wilt  not  cease  to  remember  Joseph,  until  thou  be 
brought  to  death's  door,  or  thou  be  actually  destroyed  by  excessive 
affliction.  lie  answered,  I  only  represent  my  grief,  which  I  am  not 
able  to  contain,  and  my  sorrow  unto  God  ;  but  I  know  by  revela- 
tion from  God  that  which  ye  know  not.  O  my  sons,  go  and  make 
inquiry  after  Joseph  and  his  brother  ;  and  despair  not  of  the  mer- 
cy of  God;  for  none  despaireth  of  God's  mercy,  except  the  unbeliev 
ing  people.  Wherefore  Joseph's  brethren  returned  into  Egypt  and 
when  they  came  into  his  presence  they  said,  Xoble  lord,  the  famine 
is  felt  by  us  and  our  family,  and  we  are  conic  with  a  small 
sum  of  money :  yet  give  unto  us  full  measure,  and  bestow 
corn  upon  us  as  alms;  for  God  rewanleth  the  almsgivers.  Joseph 
said  unto  them,  Do  ye  know  what  ye  did  unto  Joseph  and  his  brother, 
when  ye  were  ignorant  of  the  consequences  thereof?  They  answered, 
Art  thou  really  Joseph?  He  replied,  1  am  Joseph;  and  this  is  my 
brother.  Now* hath  God  been  gracious  unto  us.  For  whoso  feareth 
God.  and  persevereth  with  patience,  shall  at  length  tind  relief;  since 
God  will  not  suffer  the  reward  of  the  righteous  to  perish.  They  said. 
By  God,  now  hath  God  chosen  thee  above  us;  and  we  have  surely 
been  sinners.  Joseph  answered,  Let  there  be  no  reproach  cast  on 
you  this  day.  God  forgiveth  you;  for  he  is  the  most  merciful  of  those 
who  show  mercv.  Depart  ye  with  this  my  inner  garment,  and  throw 
it  on  my  father  s  face;  and  he  shall  recover  his  sight :  and  then  come 
unto  me  with  all  your  family.  Ami  when  the  company  of  travellers 
was  departed  from  Egypt  on  their  journey  towards  Canaan,  their 
father  said  unto  those  who  were  about  him,  Verily  I  perceive  the 
smell  of  Joseph:  although  ye  think  that  I  dote.  They  answered,  By 
God,  thou  art  in  thy  old  mistake.  But  when  the  messenger  of  good 
tidings  was  come  with  Joseph's  inner  garment,  he  threw  it  over  his 
face;  and  he  recovered  his  eyesight.  And  Jacob  said,  Did  I  not  tell 
you  that  I  knew  from  God  that  which  ye  knew  not?  They  answered, 

0  father,  ask  pardon  of  our  sins  for  us,  for  we  have  surely  been  sin- 
ners.    He  replied,  I  will  surely  ask  pardon   for  you  of  my  Lord;  for 
he  is  graciousand  merciful.     And  when  Jacob  and  Ins  family  arrived 
in  Egypt,  and  were  introduced  unto  Joseph,  he  received   his  parents 
unto  him,  and  said,  Enter  ye  into  Egypt,  by  God's  favour,  in  full  se- 
curity.    And  he  raised  his  parents  to  the  seat  of  state,  and  they,  to- 
gether with  his  brethren,  fell  down  and  did  obeisance  unto  him.     And 
he  said,  O  my  father,  this  is  the  interpretation  of  my  vision,  which 

1  saw  heretofore:  now  hath  my  Lord  rendered  it  true.'    And  he  hath 
surely  been  gracious  unto  me.  since  he  took  me  forth  from  the  pn.-on. 
and  hath  brought  me  hither  from  the  desert;  after  that  the  devil  had 
sown  discord  between  me  and  my  brethren:  for- my  Lord  is  uraciou.s 
unto  whom  he  pleaseth;  and  he  ie  the  knowing,  the  wise  God.     O 


AL  KORAN.  133 

Lor.-!,  thou  hast  given  me  a  part  of  the  kingdom,  and  hast  taught  me 
the  interpretation  of  dark  savings.  The  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth! 
thou  art  my  protector  in  this  world,  and  in  that  which  is  to  come: 
make  me  to  die  a  Moslem,  and  join  me  with  the  righteous.  This  is  a 
secret  history,  which  we  reveal  unto  thee,  O  Mohammed,  although 
thou  wast  not  present  with  the  brethren  of  Joseph,  when  they  con- 
certed their  design,  and  contrived  a  plot  against  him.  But  the 
greater  part  of  men,  although  thou  earnestly  desire  it,  will  not  believe. 
Thou  shalt  not  demand  of  them  any  reward  for  thy  publishing  the 
Koran;  it  is  no  other  than  an  admonition  unto  all  creatures.  And 
how  many  signs  soever  there  be  of  the  being,  unity,  and  providence 
of  God,  in  the  heavens  and  the  earth;  they  will  pass  by  them,  and 
will  retire  afar  off  from  them.  And  the  greater  part  of  them  believe 
not  in  God,  without  being  also  guilty  of  idolatry.  Do  they  not  be- 
lieve that  some  overwhelming  affliction  shall  fall  on  them,  as  a  pun- 
ishment from  God;  or  that  the  hour  of  judgment  shall  overtake  them 
suddenly,  while  they  consider  not  its  approach?  Say  unto  those  of 
Mecca,  This  i^  my  way:  I  invite  you  unto  God,  by  an  evident  de- 
monstration; both  I  and  he  who  followeth  me ;  and,  praise  be  unto 
God!  I  am  not  an  idolater.  We  sent  not  any  apostles  before  thee,  ex- 
cepi  men  unto  whom  we  revealed  our  will, 'and  whom  we  chose  out 
of  those  who  dwelt  in  cities.  Will  they  not  go  through  the  earth, 
and  see  what  hath  been  the  end  of  those  who  have  preceded  them? 
But  the  dwelling  of  the  next  life  shall  surely  be  better  for  those  who 
fear  God.  Will  they  i?ot  therefore  understand?  Their  predecessors 
were  borne  with  for  a  time,  until,  when  our  apostles  despaired  of 
their  conversion,  and  they  thought  that  they  were  liars,  our  help 
came  unto  them,  and  we  delivered  whom  we  pleased;  but  our  ven- 
gi-ance  was  not  turned  away  from  the  wicked  people.  Verily  in  the 
histories  of  the  prophets  and  their  people  there  is  an  instructive  ex- 
ample unto  those  who  are  endued  with  understanding.  The  Koran 
is  not  a  new  invented  fiction;  but  a  confirmation  of  those  scriptures 
which  have  been  revealed  before  it,  and  a  distinct  explication  of 
ever;,  thing  necessary,  in  respect  either  to  faith  or  practice,  and  a  dv 
section  and  mercy  unto  people  who  believe. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

ENTITLED,    THUNDER;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  M  R.  These  are  the  signs  of  the  book  of  the  KorSn:  and 
that  which  hath  been  sent  down  untothee  from  thy  Lord  is  the  truth; 
but  the  greater  part  of  men  will  not  believe.  It  is  God  who  hath 
raised  the  heavens  without  visible  pillars;  and  then  ascended  his 
throne,  and  compelled  the  sun  and  the  moon  to  perform  their  ser- 
^ices:  every  of  the  heavenly  bodies  runneth  an  appointed  course. 
He  ordereth  all  things.  He  showeth  his  signs  distinctly,  that  ye  may 
be  assured  ye  must  meet  your  Lord  at  the  last  day.  It  is  he  who 
hath  stretched  forth  the  earth,  and  placed  therein  steadfast  moun- 
tains, and  rivers;  and  hath  ordained  therein  of  every  fruit  two  differ- 
ent kinds.  He  causeth  the  night  to  cover  the  day.  Herein  are 
certain  signs  unto  people  who  consider.  And  in  the  earth  are  tracts 
of  land  of  different  natures,  though  bordering  on  each  other;  and 
also  vineyards,  and  seeds,  and  palm-trees  springing  several  from  the 
same  root,  and  singly  from  distinct  roots.  They  are  watered  with 
the  same  water,  yet  we  render  some  of  them  more  excellent  than 
others  to  eat.  Herein  are  surely  signs  unto  people  who  understand. 
If  thou  dost  wonder  at  the  infidels  denying  the  resurrection,  surely 
wonderful  is  their  saying,  After  we  shall  have  been  reduced  to  dust, 
*hall  we  be  restored  in  a  new  creature?  These  are  they  who  believe 
not  in  their  Lord;  these  shall  have  collars  on  their  necks,  and  these 
shall  be  the  inhabitants  of  hell  fire,  therein  shall  they  abide  forever. 
They  will  ask  of  thee  to  hasten  evil  rather  than  good:  although  there 
have  already  been  examples  of  the  divine  vengeance  before  them. 
Thy  Lord  is  surely  endued  with  indulgence  towards  men,  notwith- 
standing their  iniquity;  but  thy  Lord  is  also  severe  in  punishing. 
The  infidels  say,  Unless  a  sign  be  sent  down  unto  him  from  his  Lord, 
we  will  not  believe.  Thou  art  commissioned  to  be  a  preacher  only, 
and  not  a  worker  of  miracles:  and  unto  every  people  hath  a  director 
been  appointed.  God  knoweth  what  every  female  beareth  in  her 
womb;  and  what  the  wombs  want  or  exceed  of  their  due  time,  or 
number  of  young.  With  him  is  everything  regulated  according  to  a 
determined  measure.  He  knoweth  that  which  is  hidden,  and  that  which 
is  revealed.  He  is  the  great,  the  most  high.  He  among  you  who  con- 
cealeth  his  words,  and  he  who  proclaimed!  them  in  public;  he  also  who 
secketh  to  hide  himself  in  the  night,  and  he  who  goeth  forth  openly  in 
the  day,  is  equal  in  respect  to  the  knowledge  of  God.  Each  of  them  hath 
angels  mutually  succeeding  each  ;>ther,  before  him,  and  behind  him-- 


AL  KORAN.  135 

they  watch  him  by  the  command  of  God.  Verily  God  will  not  change 
his  grace  which  is  in  men,  until  they  change  the  disposition  in  their 
souls  by  sin.  When  God  willeth  evil  on  a  people,  there  shall  be  none 
to  avert  it;  neither  shall  they  have  any  protector  beside  him.  It  is  he 
who  causeth  the  lightning  to  appear  unto  you,  to  strike  fear,  and  to 
raise  hope,  and  who  formeth  the  pregnant  clouds.  The  thunder  cele- 
brateth  his  praise,  and  the  angels  also,  for  fear  of  him.  He  sendeth 
his  thunderbolts,  and  striketh  therewith  whom  he  pleaseth,  while  they 
dispute  concerning  God ;  for  he  is  mighty  in  power.  It  is  he  who 
ought  of  right  to  be  invoked ;  and  the  idols  which  they  invoke  besides 
him,  shall  not  hear  them  at  all ;  otherwise  than  as  he  is  heard,  who 
stretcheth  forth  his  hand  to  the  water  that  it  may  ascend  to  his  mouth, 
when  it  cannot  ascend  thither:  the  supplication  of  the  unbelievers  is 
utterly  erroneous.  Whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth  worshippeth 
God,  voluntarily  or  of  force;  and  their  shadows  also,  morning  and 
evening.  Say,  Who  is  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth?  Answer,  God. 
Say,  Have  ye  therefore  taken  unto  yourselves  protectors  beside  him, 
who  are  unable  either  to  help,  or  to  defend  themselves  from  hurt? 
Say,  Shall  the  blind  and  the  seeing  be  esteemed  equal?  or  shall  dark- 
ness and  light  be  accounted  the  same?  or  have  they  attributed  com- 
panions unto  God,  who  have  created  as  he  hath  created,  so  that  their 
creation  l>ear  any  resemblance  unto  his?  Say,  God  is  the  creator  of 
all  things;  he  >s  the  one,  the  victorious  God.  He  causeth  water  to 
de-ccnd  from  heaven,  and  the  brooks  flow  according  to  their  respec- 
tive measure,  and  the  floods  bear  the  floating  froth:  and  from  the 
metals  which  they  melt  in  the  fire,  seeking  to  cast  ornaments  or  ves- 
sels for  use,  there  ariseth  a  scum  like  unto  it.  Thus  God  setteth  forth 
truth  and  vanity.  But  the  scum  is  thrown  off,  and  that  which  is  use- 
ful to  mankind  remaineth  on  the  earth.  Thus  doth  God  put  forth 
parable".  Unto  those  who  obey  their  Lord  shall  be  given  the  most 
excellent  reward :  but  those  who  obey  him  not,  although  they  were 
-sed  of  whatever  is  in  the  whole  earth  and  as  much  more,  they 
would  give  it  all  for  their  ransom.  These  will  be  brought  to  a  terrible 
account:  their  abode  shall  be  hell;  an  unhappy  couch  shall  it  be! 
Shall  he,  therefore,  who  knoweth  that  what  hath  been  sent  down  un- 
to thee  from  thy  Lord,  is  truth,  be  rewarded  as  he  who  is  blind?  The 
prudent  only  will  consider;  who  fulfil  the  covenant  of  God,  and 
break  not  their  contract;  and  who  join  that  which  God  hath  com- 
manded to  be  joined,  and  who  fear  their  Lord,  and  dread  an  ill  ac- 
count; and  who  persevere  out  of  a  sincere  desire  to  please  their  Lord, 
and  observe  the  stated  times  of  prayer,  and  give  alms  out  of  what  we 
have  bestowed  on  them,  in  secret  and  openly,  and  who  turn  away 
evil  with  good:  the  reward  of  these  shall  be  paradise,  gardens  of 
eternal  abode,  which  they  shall  enter,  and  also  whoever  shall  have 
acted  uprightly,  of  their  fathers,  and  their  wives,  and  their  posterity; 
and  the  angels  shall  go  in  unto  them  by  every  gate,  saying,  Peace  be 
upon  you,  because  ye  have  endured  with  patience;  how  excellent  a 


136  AL  KORAN. 

reward  is  paradise!  But  as  for  those  who  violate  the  covenant  of 
God,  after  the  establishment  thereof,  and  who  cut  in  sunder  that 
which  God  hath  commanded  to  be  joined,  and  act  corruptly  in  the 
earth,  on  them  shall  a  curse  fall,  and  they  shall  have  a  miserable 
dwelling  in  hell.  God  giveth  provision  in  abundance  unto  whom  he 
pleaseth,  and  is  sparing  unto  whom  he  pleaseth.  Those  of  Mecca  re- 
joice in  the  present  life ;  although  the  present  life,  in  respect  of  the 
future,  is  but  a  precarious  provision.  The  infidels  say,  Unless  a  sign 
be  sent  down  unto  him  from  his  Lord,  we  will  not  believe.  Answer, 
Verily  God  will  lead  into  error  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  will  direct 
unto  himself  him  who  repenteth,  and  those  who  believe,  and  whose 
hearts  rest  securely  in  the  meditation  of  God;  shall  not  men's 
hearts  rest  securely  in  the  meditation  of  God?  They  who  believe  and 
do  that  which  is  right  shall  enjoy  blessedness,  and  partake  of  a  happy 
resurrection.  Thns  have  we  sent  thee  to  a  nation  which  other  nations 
hav  e  preceded,  unto  whom  prophets  have  likewise  been  sent,  that 
thou  mayest  rehearse  unto  them  that  which  we  have  revealed  unto 
thee,  even  while  they  believe  not  in  the  merciful  God.  Say  unto 
them,  He  is  my  Lord;  there  is  no  God  but  he:  in  him  do  I  trust,  and 
unto  him  must  I  return.  Though  a  Korfin  were  revealed  by  which 
mountains  should  be  removed,  or  the  earth  cleaved  in  sunder,  or  the 
dead  be  caused  to  speak,  it  would  be  in  vain.  But  the  matter  be- 
longeth  wholly  unto  God.  Do  not  therefore  the  believers  know,  that 
if  God  pleased,  he  would  certainly  direct  all  men?  Adversity  shall 
not  cease  to  afflict  the  unbelievers  for  that  which  they  have  com- 
mitted, or  to  sit  down  near  their  habitations,  until  God's  promise 
come:  for  God  is  not  contrary  to  the  promise.  Apostles  before  thee 
have  been  laughed  to  scorn;  and  1  permitted  the  iutidels  to  enjoy 
a  long  and  happy  life :  but  afterwards  I  punished  them ;  and  how 
severe  was  the  punishment  which  I  inflicted  on  them!  Who  is  it 
therefore  that  standeth  over  every  soul,  to  observe  that  which  it  com- 
mitteth?  They  attribute  companions  unto  God.  Say,  Name  them : 
will  ye  declare  unto  him  that  which  he  knoweth  not  in  the  earth?  or 
will  ye  name  them  in  outward  speech  only?  But  the  deceitful  pro- 
cedure of  the  infidels  was  prepared  for  them ;  and  they  are  turned 
aside  from  the  right  path :  for  he  whom  God  shall  cause  to  err,  shall 
have  no  director.  They  shall  suffer  a  punishment  in  this  life;  but 
the  punishment  of  the  next  shall  be  more  grievous:  and  there  .shall 
be  none  to  protect  them  against  God.  This  is  the  description  of 
paradise,  which  is  promised  to  the  pious.  It  is  watered  by  rivers; 
its  food  is  perpetual,  and  its  shade  also :  this  shall  be  the  reward  of 
those  who  fear  God.  But  the  reward  of  the  infidels  shall  be  hell  fire. 
Those  to  whom  we  have  given  the  scriptures,  rejoice  at  what  hath 
been  revealed  unto  thee.  Yet  there  are  some  of  the  confederates  who 
deny  part  thereof.  Say  unto  them,  Verily  I  am  commanded  to  wor- 
ship God  alone;  and  to  give  him  no  companion:  upon  him  do  I  call, 
and  unto  him  shall  I  return.  To  this  purpose  have  we  sent  down  the 


AL  KORAN.  137 

Koran,  a  rule  of  judgment,  in  the  Arabic  language.  And  verily  if 
tiiou  follow  their  desires,  after  the  knowledge  which  hath  been  given 
thee,  then-  shall  be  none  to  defend  or  protect  thee  against  God.  We 
have  formerly  sent  apostles  before  thee,  and  bestowed  on  them  wives 
and  children ;  and  no  apostle  had  the  powei  to  come  with  a  sign,  un- 
less by  the  permission  of  God.  Every  age  hath  its  book  of  revela- 
tion: God  shall  abolish  and  shall  confirm  what  he  pleaseth.  With 
him  is  the  original  of  the  book.  Moreover,  whether  we  cause  thee 
to  see  any  part  of  that  punishment  wherewith  we  have  threatened 
them,  or  whether  we  cause  thee  to  die  before  it  be  inflicted  on  them, 
verily  unto  thee  belongeth  preaching  only,  but  unto  us  inquisition. 
Do  they  not  see  that  we  come  into  their  land,  and  straiten  the  borders 
thereof,  by  the  conquests  of  the  true  believers?  When  God  judgeth, 
there  is  none  to  reverse  his  judgment;  and  he  will  be  swift  in  taking 
an  account.  Their  predecessors  formerly  devised  subtle  plots  against 
their  prophets;  but  God  is  master  of  every  subtle  device.  He 
knoweth  that  which  every  soul  deserveth :  and  the  infidels  shall  surely 
know,  whose  will  be  the  reward  of  paradise.  The  unbelievers  will 
say,  Thou  art  not  sent  of  God.  Answer,  God  is  a  sufficient  witness 
between  me  and  you,  and  he  who  understandeth  the  scriptures. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

ENTITLED,   ABRAHAM;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  R.  This  book  have  we  sent  down  unto  thee,  that  thou 
mayest  lead  men  forth  from  darkness  into  light,  by  the  permission  of 
their  Lord,  into  the  glorious  and  laudable  way.  God  is  he  unto 
whom  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth:  and  woe  be 
to  the  infidels,  because  a  grievous  punishment  waiteth  them;  who 
love  the  present  life  above  that  which  is  to  come,  and  turn  men  aside 
from  the  way  of  God,  and  seek  to  render  it  crooked:  these  are  in  an 
error  far  distant  from  the  truth.  We  have  sent  no  apostle  but  with 
the  ianiruagc  of  his  people,  that  he  might  declare  their  duty  plainly 
unto  them:  for  God  causeth  to  err  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  directeth 
whom  he  pleaseth,-  and  he  is  the  mighty,  the  wise.  We  fovmerly 
sent  Moses  with  our  signs,  and  commanded  him  saying,  Lead  forth 
thy  people  from  darkness  into  light,  and  remind  them  of  the  favours 
of  God:  verily  therein  are  signs  unto  every  patient  and  grateful  per- 
son. And  call  to  mind  when  Moses  said  unto  his  people,  Remember 
the  favour  of  God  towards  you,  when  he  delivered  you  from  the 
people  of  Pharaoh:  they  grievously  oppressed  you ;  and  they  slew 
your  male  children,  but  let  your  females  live:  therein  was  a  great 
trial  from  your  Lord.  And  when  your  Lord  declared  by  the  mouth 
of  Moses,  saying,  If  ye  be  thankful,  I  will  surely  increase  my  favours 


138  AL  KORAN. 

towards  you;  but  if  ye  be  ungrateful,  verily  my  punishment  shall  l>e 
severe.  And  Moses  said,  if  ye  be  ungrateful,  and  all  who  are  in  the 
earth  likewise;  verily  God  needeth  not  your  thanks,  though  he  deserv- 
eth  the  highest  praise.  Hath  not  the  history  of  the  nations  your  pre- 
decessors reached  you;  namely,  of  the  people  of  Noah,  and  of  Ad, 
and  of  Thamud,  and  of  those  who  succeeded  them;  whose  number 
none  knoweth  except  God?  Their  apostles  came  unto  them  with 
evident  miracles;  but  they  clapped  their  hands  to  their  mouths  out 
of  indignation,  and  said,  We  do  not  believe  the  message  with  which 
ye  pretend  to  be  sent ;  and  we  are  in  a  doubt  concerning  the  religion 
to  wyhich  ye  invite  us,  as  justly  to  be  suspected.  Their  apostles  an- 
swered, Is  there  any  doubt  concerning  God,  the  creator  of  heaven 
and  earth?  He  inviteth  you  to  the  true  faith  that  he  may  forgive  you 
part  of  your  sins,  and  may  respite  your  punishment,  by  granting  you 
space  to  repent,  until  an  appointed  time.  They  answered,  Ye  are 
but  men,  like  unto  us:  ye  seek  to  turn  us  aside  from  the  gods  which 
our  fathers  worshipped:  wherefore  bring  us  an  evident  demonstration 
by  some  miracle,  that  ye  speak  truth.  Their  apostles  replied  unto 
them,  We  are  no  other  than  men  like  unto  you;  but  God  is  bountiful 
unto  such  of  his  servants  as  he  pleaseth :  and  it  is  not  in  our  power 
to  give  you  a  miraculous  demonstration  of  our  mission,  unless  by  the 
permission  of  God;  in  God  therefore  let  the  faithful  trust.  And 
what  excuse  have  we  to  allege,  that  we  should  not  put  our  trust  in 
God;  since  he  hath  directed  us  our  paths?  Wherefore  we  will  cer 
taiuly  suffer  with  patience  the  persecution  wherewith  ye  shall  afflict 
us:  in  God  therefore  let  those  put  their  confidence  who  seek  in  whom 
to  put  their  trust.  And  those  who  believed  not,  said  unto  their 
apostles,  We  will  surely  expel  you  out  of  our  land;  or  ye  shall  return, 
unto  our  religion.  And  their  Lord  spake  unto  them  by  revelation, 
saying,  We  will  surely  destroy  the  wicked  doers;  and  we  will  cause 
you  to  dwell  in  the  earth,  after  them.  This  shall  be  granted  unto 
him  who  shall  dread  the  appearance  at  my  tribunal,  and  shall  fear  my 
threatening.  And  they  asked  assistance  of  God,  and  every  rebellious 
perverse  person  failed  of  success.  Hell  lieth  unseen  before  him,  and 
he  shall  have  filthy  water  given  him  to  drink:  he  shall  sup  it  up  by 
little  and  little,  and  he  shaTl  not  easily  let  it  pass  his  throat,  because 
of  its  nauseousness;  death  also  shall  come  upon  him  from  every  quar- 
ter, yet  he  shall  not  die;  and  before  him  shall  there  stand  prepared  a 
grievous  torment.  This  is  the  likeness  of  those  who  believe  not  in 
their  Lord.  Their  works  are  as  ashes,  which  the  wind  violently 
scattereth  in  a  stormy  day:  they  shall  not  be  able  to  obtain  any  solid 
advantage  from  that  which  they  have  wrought.  This  is  an  error 
most  distant  from  truth.  Dost  thou  not  see  that  God  hath  created 
the  heavens  and  the  earth  in  wisdom.  If  he  please,  he  can  destroy 
you,  and  produce  a  new  creature  in  your  stead :  neither  will  this  be 
difficult  with  God.  And  they  shall  all  come  forth  into  the  presence 
of  God  at  the  last  day:  and  the  weak  among  them  shall  say  unto  those 


AL  KORAN.  139 

who  behaved  themselves  arrogantly,  Verily  we  were  your  followers 
on  earth;  will  ye  not  therefore  avert  from  us  some  part  of  the  divine 
vengeance  ?  They  shall  answer,  If  God  had  directed  us  aright,  we 
'iad  certainly  directed  you.  It  is  equal  unto  us  whether  \ve  bear 
our  tormenis  impatiently,  or  whether  we  endure  them  with  patience: 
for  we  have  no  way  to  escape.  And  Statan  shall  say,  after  judg- 
ment shall  have  been  given,  Verily  God  promised  you  a  promise  of 
truth:  and  I  also  made  you  a  promise;  but  I  deceived  you.  Yet  I 
had  not  any  power  over  you  to  compel  you ;  but  I  called  you  only, 
and  ye  answered  me:  wherefore  accuse  not  me,  but  accuse  your- 
selves. I  cannot  assist  you;  neither  can  ye  assist  me.  Verily  I  do 
now  renounce  your  having  associated  me  with  God  heretofore.  A 
grievous  punishment  is  prepared  for  the  unjust.  But  they  who  shall 
have  believed  and  wrought  righteousness,  shall  be  introduced  into 
gardens,  wherein  rivers  flow;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever,  by 
the  permission  of  their  Lord;  and  their  salutation  therein  shall  be, 
Peace!  Dost  tUounot  see  how  God  putteth  forth  a  parable;  repre- 
senting a  good  word,  as  a  good  tree,  whose  root  is  firmly  fixed  in 
the  earth,  and  whose  branches  reach  unto  heaven ;  which  bringeth 
forth  its  fruit  in  all  seasons,  by  the  will  of  its  Lord?  God  pro- 
poundeth  parables  unto  men.  that  they  may  be  instructed.  And  the 
likeness  of  an  evil  world  is  as  an  evil  tree;  which  is  torn  up  from  the 
face  of  the  eaith,  and  hath  no  stability.  God  shall  confirm  them 
who  believe,  by  the  steadfast  word  of  faith,  both  in  this  life  and  iu 
that  which  is  to  come:  but  God  shall  lead  the  wicked  into  error; 
for  Gcd  doth  that  which  he  pleaseth.  Hast  thou  not  considered 
those  who  have  changed  the  grace  of  God  to  infidelity,  and  cause 
their  people  to  descend  into  the  house  of  perdition,  namely,  into  hell? 
They  shall  be  thrown  to  burn  therein;  and  an  unhappy  dwelling  shall 
it  be.  They  also  set  up  idols  as  copartners  with  God,  that  they 
might  cause  men  to  stray  from  his  path.  Say  unto  them,  Enjoy  the 
pleasures  of  this  life  for  a  time;  but  your  departure  hence  shall  be 
into  hell  fire.  Speak  unto  my  servants  who  have  believed,  that  they 
be  assiduous  at  prayer,  and  give  alms  out  of  that  which  we  have 
bestowed  on  them,  both  privately  and  in  public;  before  the  day  cometh, 
wherein  there  shall  be  no  buying  nor  selling,  neithef  any  friendship, 
[t  is  God  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth;  and  causeth 
*ater  to  descend  from  heaven,  and  by  means  thereof  produceth 
iruits  for  your  sustenance:  and  by  his  command  he  obligeth  the  ships 
to  sail  in  the  sea  for  your  service ;  and  he  also  forceth  the  rivers  to 
supply  your  uses :  he  likewise  compelleth  the  sun  and  the  moon, 
A"hich  diligently  perform  their  courses,  to  serve  you;  and  hath  sub- 
jected the  day  and  the  night  to  your  service.  He  giveth  you  of 
everything  which  ye  ask  him;  and  if  ye  attempt  to  reckon  up  the 
favours  of  God,  ye  shall  not  be  able  to  compute  the  same.  Surely 
man  is  unjust  and  ungrateful.  Remember  when  Abraham  said,  O 
Lord,  make  this  land  a  place  of  security;  and  grant  that  I  and  my 


140  AL  KORAN. 

children  may  avoid  the  worship  of  idols-,  for  they,  O  Lord,  have 
seduced  a  great  number  of  men.     Whoever  therefore  shall  follow 
me,  he  shall  be  of  me;  and  whosoever  shall  disobey  me;  verily  tliou 
wilt  be  gracious  and  merciful.     O  Lord,  I  have  caused  >oir,e  'of  my 
offspring   to  settle  in  an  unfruitful    valley,  near  thy  holy  hou>e,  () 
Lord,  that  they  maybe  constant  at  prayer.     Grant,  therefore,  that 
the  hearts  of  some  men  may  be  affected  with  kindness  toward  them; 
and  do  thou  bestow  on  them  all  sorts  of  fruits;  that  they  may  give 
thanks.      O  Lord,  thou  knowest  whatsoever  we  conceal,  and  what- 
soever we  publish;  for  nothing  is  hidden  from  God,  either  on  earth, 
or  in  heaven.     Praise  be  unto  God.  who  hath  given  me,  in  my  old 
age,  Ismael  and  Isaac:  for  my  Lord  is  the  hearer  of  supplication.     O 
Lord,  grant  that  I  may  be  an  observer  of  prayer,  and  a  part  of  my 
posterity  also,  O  Lord;  and  receive  my   supplication.     O  Lord,  for- 
give  me,  and   my  parents,  and  the  faithful,  on  the  day  whereon  an 
account  shall  be  taken.     Think  not,  O  prophet,  that  God  is  regard- 
less of  what  the  ungodly  do.     He  only  deierreth  their  punishment 
unto  the  day  whereon  men's  eyes  shall  be  fixed:  they  shall  hasten  for- 
ward, at  the  voice  of  the  angel  calling  to  judgment,  and  shall  lift  up 
their  heads;  they  shall  not  be  able  to  turn  their  sight  from  the  object 
whereon  it  shall  be  fixed,  and  their  hearts  shall  be  void  of  sense, 
through  excessive  terror.     Wherefore  do  thou  threaten  men  with  the 
day,  whereon  their  punishment  shall  be  inflicted  on  them,  and  whereon 
those  who  have  acted  unjustly  shall  say,  O  Lord,  give  us  respite 
unto  a  term  near  at  hand;  and  we  will  obey  thy  call,  and  we  will  fol- 
low thy  apostles.     But  it  shall  be  answered  unto  them,  Did  ye  not 
swear  heretofore,  that  no  reverse  should  befall  you?  yei  ye  dwelt  in 
the  dwellings  of  those  who  had  treated  their  own  souls  unjustly;  and 
it  appeared  plainly  unto  you  how  we  had  dwelt  with  them;  and  we 
propounded  their  destruction  as  examples  unto  you.     They  employ 
their  utmost  subtlety  to  oppose  the  truth;  but  their  subtlety  is  appa- 
rent unto  God,  who  is  able  to  frustrate  their  designs;  although  their 
subtlety  were  so  great,  that  the  mountains  might  be  moved  thereby. 
Think  not  therefore,   O  prophet,  that  God  will   be  contrary   to  his 
promise  of  assistance,  made  unto  hisapostlesj  for  God  is  mighty,  able 
to  avenge.     The  day  will  come,  when  the  earth  shall  be  changed  into 
another  earth,  and  the  heavens  into  other  heavens;  and  men  shall 
come  forth  from  their  graves  to  appear  before  the  only,  the  mighty 
God.     And  thou  shalt  see  the  wicked  on  that  day  bound  together 
in  fetters:  their  inner  garments  shall  be  of  pitch,  and  fire  shall  cover 
their  faces;  that  God  may  reward  every  soul,  according  to  what  it 
shall  have  deserved;  for  God  is  swift  in  taking  an  account.     This  is 
a  sufficient  admonition  unto  men,  that  they  may  be  warned  thereby, 
and  that  they  may  know  that  there  is  but  one  Godj  and  that  those} 
who  are  endued  with  understanding  may  consider. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

ENTITLED,    AL   HEJR;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IX  THE  NAME   OP  THE   MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  R.  These  are  the  signs  of  the  book,  and  of  the  (XIV.)  per- 
snicuous  Koran.  The  time  may  come  when  the  unbelievers  shall  wish 
that  they  had  been  Moslems.  Suffer  them  to  eat  and  to  enjoy  theni- 
M-1  ves  in  this  world :  and  let  hope  entertain  them,  but  they  shall  hereafter 
know  their  folly.  We  have  not  destroyed  any  city,  but  a  fixed  term 
of  repentance  was  appointed  them.  No  nation  shall  be  punished 
before  their  time  shall  be  come;  neither  shall  they  be  respited  after. 
The  Mcccans  say,  ()  thou  to  whom  the  admonition  hath  been  sent 
down,  thou  ait  certainly  possessed  with  a  devil:  wouldest  thou  not 
have  come  unto  us  with  an  attendance  of  angels,  if  thou  hadst  spoken 
truth?  Answer,  we  send  not  down  the  angels,  unless  on  a  just  oc- 
casion,  nor  should  they  be  then  respited  any  longer.  We  have  surely 
sent  down  the  Koran;  and  we  will  certainly  preserve  the  same  from 
corruption.  We  have  heretofore  sent  apostles  before  thee,  among  the 
ancient  sects:  and  there  came  no  apostle  unto  them,  but  they  laughed 
him  to  scorn  In  the  same  manner  will  we  put  it  into  the  hearts  of 
the  wicked  Meccans  to  scoff  at  their  prophet:  they  shall  not  believe 
on  him;  and  the  sentence  of  the  nations  of  old  hath  been  executed 
heretofore.  If  we  should  open  a  gate  in  the  heaven  above  them,  and 
they  should  ascend  thereto  all  t he  day  long,  they  would  surely  say, 
Our  eyes  are  only  da/./led-  or  rather  we  are  a  people  deluded  by  en- 
chantments. We  have  placed  the  twelve  signs  in  the  heaven,  and 
h.-.ve  set  them  out  in  various  figures,  for  the  observation  of  spectators- 
and  we  guard  them  from  every  devil,  driven  away  with  stones;  except 
him  who  listeiieth  by  >tealth,  at  whom  a  visible  'name  is  darted.  We 
have  also  spread  forth  the  earth,  and  thrown  thereon  stable  moun- 
tains; and  we  have  caused  every  kind  of  vegetables  to  spring  forth 
in  tne  same,  according  to  a  determinate  weight:  and  we  have  pro- 
vided therein  neces>aries  of  Site  for  you,  and  for  him  whom  ye  do 
not  sustain.  There  is  no  on::  ilium  but  the  storehouses  thereof  are 
.n  our  hands;  and  we  distribute  :iot  the  same  otherwise  than  in  a 
d' :tei  miii.-ite  measure.  We  also  send  tne  winds  driving  the  pregnant 
clouds,  and  we  send  down  from  heaven  water,  whereof  we  give  you 
to  arink.  and  which  ye  keep  not  in  store.  Verily  we  give  life,  and 
we  put  to  death;  and  we  are  the  heirs  of  all  things.  We  know 
those  union:,'  you  who  go  before;  and  we  know  those  wln> 
behind.  And  thy  I. old  "shall  gather  them  vogether  at  the  last  day ; 
lor  he  is  knowing  and  wise.  We  created  man  of  dried  clay,  of 


143  AL  KORAN. 

black  mud,  formed  into  shape:  and  we  had  before  created  the  devil 
of  subtle  fire.  And  remember  when  thy  Lord  said  before  the 
angels,  Verily  I  am  about  to  create  man  of  dried  clay,  of  black 
mud,  wrought  into  shape;  when  therefore  I  shall  have  completely 
formed  him,  and  shall  have  breathed  of  my  spirit  into  him;  do  ye 
fall  down  and  worship  him.  And  all  the  angels  worshipped  Ada'iii 
together,  except  Eblis,  who  refused  to  be  with  those  who  wor- 
shipped him.  And  God  said  unto  him,  O  Eblis,  what  hindered 
thee  from  being  with  those  who  worshipped  Adam?  He  answered, 
It  is  not  fit  that  I  should  worship  man,  whom  thou  hast  created 
of  dried  clay,  of  black  mud,  wrought  into  shape.  God  said,  Get 
thee  therefore  hence;  for  thou  shall  be  driven  away  with  stones: 
and  a  curse  shall  be  on  thee,  until  the  day  of  judgment.  The  devil 
said,  O  Lord,  give  me  respite  until  the  day  of  resurrection.  God 
answered,  Verily  thou  shall  be  one  of  those  who  are  respited  until 
the  day  of  the  appointed  time.  The  devil  replied,  O  Lord,  be- 
cause Ihou  hast  seduced  me,  I  will  surely  tempt  them  to  disobe- 
dience in  the  earth;  and  I  will  seduce  them  all,  except  such  of  them 
as  shall  be  thy  chosen  servants.  God  said,  This  is  the  right  waj 
with  me.  Verily  as  to  my  servants,  thou  shall  have  no  power  over 
them;  bul  over  those  only  who  shall  be  seduced,  and  who  shall 
follow  Ihee.  And  hell  is  surely  denounced  unto  them  all:  it  hath 
seven  gales;  unlo  every  gate  a  dislincl  company  of  them  shall  1  it- 
assigned.  But  those  who  fear  God  shall  dwell  in  gardens,  amidst 
fountains.  The  angels  shall  say  unto  them,  Enter  ye  therein  in 
peace  and  security.  And  we  will  remove  all  grudges  from  their 
breasts;  they  shall  be  as  brethren,  sitting  over  against  one  another  on 
couches:  weariness  shall  not  affect  them  therein,  neither  shall  they 
be  cast  out  thence  for  ever.  Declare  unto  my  servants  that  I  am  the 
gracious,  the  merciful  God;  and  that  my  punishment  is  a  grievous 
punishment.  And  relate  unto  them  the  history  of  Abraham's  guests. 
When  they  went  in  unto  him,  and  said,  Peace  be  unto  thee,  he  an- 
swered, Verily  we  are  afraid  of  you :  and  they  replied,  Fear  not ;  we 
bring  thee  the  promise  of  a  wise  sou.  He  said,  Do  ye  bring  me  the 
promise  of  a  son  now  old  age  hath  overtaken  me?  what  is  it  there- 
fore that  ye  tell  me?  They  said,  We  have  told  thee  the  truth;  be  not 
therefore  one  of  those  who  despair.  He  answered,  And  who  de- 
spaireth  of  the  mercy  of  God,  except  Ihose  who  err?  And  he  said. 
Whal  is  your  errand  therefore,  O  messengers  of  God?  They  an- 
swered, Verily  we  are  sent  to  destroy  a  wicked  people:  but  as  for  the 
family  of  Lol,  we  will  save  them  all,  except  his  wife;  we  have  de- 
creed that  she  shall  be  one  of  those  who  remain  behind  to  be  de- 
stroyed with  the  infidels.  And  when  the  messengers  came  to  the 
family  of  Lot,  he  said  unto  them,  Verily  ye  are  people  who  are  un- 
known to  me.  They  answered,  But  we  are  come  unto  thee  to  exe- 
cute that  sentence,  concerning  which  your  fellow-citizens  doubted-- 
NFC  tell  thee  a  certain  trulh;  and  we  are  messengers  of  veracily. 


AL  KORAX.  143 

Therefore  lead  forth  thy  family,  in  some  time  of  the  night;  and  do 
thou  follow  behind  them,  and  let  none  of  you  turn  back;  but  go 
whether  ye  are  commanded.  And  we  gave  him  this  command;  be- 
cause the  utmost  remnant  of  those  people  was  to  be  cut  off  in  the 
morning.  And  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  came  unto  Lot,  rejoicing 
at  the  news  of  the  arrival  of  some  strangers.  And  he  said  unto  them, 
Verily  these  are  my  guests,  wherefore  do  not  disgrace  me  by  abusing 
them;  but  fear  God,  and  put  me  not  to  shame.  They  answered, 
Have  we  not  forbidden  thee  from  entertaining  or  protecting  any  man? 
Lot  replied,  These  are  my  daughters;  therefore  rather  make  use  of 
them,  if  ye  be  resolved  to  do  what  ye  purpose.  As  thou  livest  they 
wander  in  their  folly.  Wherefore  a  terrible  storm  from  heaven  as 
sailed  them  at  sunrise:  and  we  turned  the  city  upside  down;  and  we 
rained  on  them  stones  of  baked  clay.  Verily  herein  are  signs  unto 
men  of  sagacity :  and  those  cities  were  punished,  to  point  out  a  right 
way  for  men  to  walk  in.  Verily  herein  is  a  sign  unto  the  true  be- 
lievers. The  inhabitants  of  the  wood  near  Midian  were  also  ungodly, 
wherefore  we  took  vengeance  on  them.  And  both  of  them  were  de- 
stroyed, to  serve  as  a  manifest  rule  for  men  to  direct  their  actions  by, 
And  the  inhabitants  of  Al  Hejr  likewise  heretofore  accused  the  mes 
sengers  of  God  of  imposture :  and  we  produced  our  sigi»s  unto  them, 
but  they  retired  afar  off  from  the  same.  '  And  they  hewed  houses  out 
of  the  mountains,  to  secure  themselves.  But  a  terrible  noise  from 
heaven  assailed  them  in  the  morning:  neither  was  what  they  had 
wrought  of  any  advantage  unto  them.  We  have  not  created  tho 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  whatever  is  contained  between  them, 
otherwise  than  in  justice:  and  the  hour  of  judgment  shall  surely 
come.  Wherefore,  O  Mohammed,  forgive  thy  people  with  a  gracious 
forgiveness.  Verily  thy  Lord  is  the  creator  of  thee  and  of  them,  and 
knoweth  what  is  most  expedient.  We  have  already  brought  unto 
thee  seven  verses  which  are  frequently  to  be  repeated,  and  the 
glorious  Koran.  Cast  not  thine  eyes  on  the  good  things  which  we 
nave  bestowed  on  several  of  the  unbelievers,  so  as  to  covet  the  same; 
neither  be  thou  grieved  on  their  account.  Behave  thyself  with  meek- 
nsss  towards  the  true  believers;  and  say,  I  am  a  public  preacher.  If 
they  believe  not,  we  will  inflict  a  like  punishment  on  them,  as  we 
have  inflicted  on  the  dividers,  who  distinguished  the  Koran  into  dif 
ferect  parts;  for  by  thy  Lord,  we  will  demand  an  account  from  them 
all,  of  that  which  they  "have  wrought.  Wherefore  publish  that  which 
thou  hast  been  commanded,  and  withdraw  from  the  idolaters.  We 
will  surely  take  thy  part  against  the  scoffers,  who  associate  with 
God  another  god;  they  shall  surely  know  their  folly.  And  now  we 
well  know  that  thou  art  deeply  concerned  on  account  of  that  which 
they  say:  but  do  thou  celebrate  the  praise  of  thy  Lord;  and  be  one 
of  those  who  worship,  and  serve  thy  Lord,  until  death  shall  overtake 
thee. 


CHAPTEK  XVI. 

ENTITLED,    THE   BEE;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
II     THE  NAMK   OF  THE   MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  sentence  of  God  will  surely  come  to  be  executed:  wherefore 
do  not  hasten  it.  Praise  be  unto  him  !  and  far  be  that  from  him 
which  they  associate  with  him!  He  shall  cause  the  angels  to  descend 
with  a  revelation  by  his  command,  unto  such  of  his  servants  us  lie 
pleaseth,  saying,  Preach  that  there  is  no  God,  except  myself;  therefore 
fear  me.  He  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  to  manifest  his 
justice:  far  be  that  from  him  which  they  associate  with  him!  He 
hath  created  man  of  seed;  and  yet  behold,  he  is  a  professed  disputer 
against  the  resurrection.  He  hath  likewise  created  the  cattle  for  you : 
from  them  ye  have  wherewith  to  keep  yourselves  warm,  and  other 
advantages;  and  of  them  do  ye  also  eat.  And  they  are  likewise  a 
credit  unto  you,  when  ye  drive  them  home  in  the  evening,  and  when 
ye  lead  them  forth  to  feed  in  the  morning:  and  they  carry  your  bur- 
thens to  a  distant  country,  at  which  ye  could  not  otherwise  arrive,  un- 
less with  great  difficulty  to  yourselves;  for  your  Lord  is  compassion- 
ate and  merciful.  And  he  hath  also  created  horses,  and  mules,  and 
asses,  that  ye  may  ride  thereon,  and  for  an  ornament  unto  you ;  and 
he  likewise  createth  other  things  which  ye  know  not.  It  appertained! 
unto  God  to  instruct  men  in  the  right  way;  and  there  is  who  turncth 
aside  from  the  same:  but  if  he  had  pleased,  he  would  certainly  have 
directed  you  all.  It  is  he  who  sendeth  down  from  heaven  rain  water, 
whereof  ye  have  to  drink,  and  from  which  plants,  whereon  ye  feed 
your  cattle,  receive  their  nourishment.  And  by  means  thereof  he 
causeth  corn,  and  olives,  and  palm»trees,  and  grapes,  and  all  kinds  of 
fruits  to  spring  forth  for  you.  Surely  herein  is  a  sign  of  the  divine 
power  and  wisdom  unto  people  who  consider.  And  he  hath  sub- 
jected the  night  and  the  day  to  your  service ;  and  the  sun,  and  the 
moon,  and  the  stars,  which  are  compelled  to  serve  by  his  command. 
Verily  herein  are  signs  unto  people  of  understanding.  And  he  hath 
also  given  you  dominion  over  whatever  he  hath  created  for  you  in 
the  earth,  distinguished  by  its  different  colour.  Surely  herein  is  a 
sign  unto  people  who  reflect.  It  is  he  who  hath  subjected  the  sea 
unto  you,  that  ye  might  eat  fish  thereout,  and  take  from  thence 
ornaments  for  you  towrear:  and  thou  seest  the  ships  ploughing  the 
waves  thereof,  that  ye  may  seek  to  enrich  yourselves  of  his  abnnd 
a  nee,  by  commerce;  and  that  ye  might  give  thanks.  And  he  h.-itli 
thrown  upon  the  earth  mountains  firmly  rooted,  lest  it  should  n.<  \ 
With  you,  and  also  rivers,  and  paths,  that  ye  might  be  directed,  ai.d 


AL  KORAN.  145 

he  hath  likewise  ordained  marks  whereby  men  may  know  their 
way ;  and  they  are  directed  by  the  stars.  Shall  God  therefore  who 
createth,  be  as  he  who  createth  not?  Do  ye  not  therefore  consider? 
If  ye  attempt  to  reckon  up  the  favours  of  God,  ye  shall  not  be  abl« 
to  compute  their  number:  God  is  surely  gracious,  and  merciful:  and 
God  knoweth  that  which  ye  conceal  and  that  which  ye  publish.  But 
the  idols  which  ye  invoke"  besides  God,  create  nothing,  but  are  them- 
selves created.  They  are  dead,  and  not  living;  neither  do  they  un- 
derstand when  they  shall  be  raised.  Your  God  is  one  God.  As  to 
those  who  believe  not  in  the  life  to  come,  their  hearts  deny  the  plain- 
est evidence,  and  they  proudly  reject  the  truth.  There  Is  no  doubt 
but  God  knoweth  that  which  they  conceal  and  that  which  they  dis 
cover ;  verily  he  loveth  not  the  proud.  And  when  it  is  said  unto  them, 
What  hath  your  Lord  sent  clown  unto  Mohammed?  they  answer, 
Fables  of  ancient  times.  Thus  are  they  given  up  to  error,  that  they 
may  bear  their  own  burthens  without  diminution  on  the  day  of  resur- 
rection, and  also  a  part  of  the  burthens  of  those  whom  they  caused 
to  err,  without  knowledge.  Will  it  not  be  an  evil  burthen  which 
they  shall  bear?  Their  predecessors  devised  plots  heretofore ;  but 
God  came  unto  their  building,  to  overthrow  it  from  the  foundations: 
and  the  roof  fell  on  them  from  above,  and  a  punishment  came 
upon  them,  from  whence  they  did  not  expect.  Also  on  the  day  of 
resurrection  he  will  cover  them  with  shame;  and  will  say,  AVhere 
are  my  companions,  concerning  whom  ye  disputed?  Those  unto 
whom  knowledge  shall  have  been  given,  shall  answer,  This  day  shall 
shame  and  misery  fall  upon  the  unbelievers.  They  whom  the  angels 
shall  cause  to  die,  having  dealt  unjustly  with  their  own  souls,  shall 
offer  to  make  their  peace  in  the  article  of  death,  saying  We  have  done 
no  evil.  But  the  angels  shall  reply,  Yea;  verily  God  well  knoweth 
that  which  ye  have  wrought:  wherefore  enter  the  gates  of  hell, 
therein  to  remain  for  ever;  and  miserable  shall  be  the  abode  of  the 
proud.  And  it  shall  be  said  unto  those  who  shall  fear  God,  What 
hath  your  Lord  sent  down?  They  shall  answer,  Good:  unto  those 
who  do  right  shall  be  given  an  excellent  reward  in  this  world;  but 
the  dwelling  of  the  next  life  shall  be  better;  and  happy  shall  be  the 
dwelling  of  the  pious!  namely,  gardens  of  eternal  abode,  into  which 
they  shall  enter;  rivers  shall  flow  beneath  the  same;  therein  shall 
they  enjoy  whatever  they  wish.  Thus  will  God  recompense  the 
pious.  Unto  the  righteous  whom  the  angels  shall  cause  to  die,  they 
shall  say,  Peace  be  upon  you;  enter  ye  into  paradise,  as  a  reward  for 
thr.t  which  ye  have  wrought.  Do  the  unbelievers  expect  any  otiier 
than  that  the  angels  come  unto  them,  to  part  their  souls  from  their 
hoilies;  or  that  the  sentence  of  thy  Lord  come  to  be  executed  on 
them?  So  did  they  act  who  were  before  them;  and  God  was  not 
unjust  towards  them  in  that  he  destroyed  them;  but  they  dealt  un- 
justly with  their  own  souls:  the  evils  of  that  which  they  committed, 
reached  them,  and  the  divine  judgment  which  they  scoffed  at,  fell 


146  AL  KORAN. 

upon  them.  The  idolaters  say,  If  God  had  pleased,  we  had  not  wor 
shipped  anything  besides  him,  neither  had  our  fathers:  neither  had 
we  forbidden  anything,  without  him.  So  did  they  who  were  before 
them.  But  is  the  duty  of  the  apostles  any  other,  than  puV'ic 
preaching?  We  have  heretofore  raised  up  in  every  nation  an  apostle 
to  admonish  them,  saying,  Worship  God,  and  avoid  Taghut.  Auc 
of  them  there  were  some  whom  God  directed,  and  there  were  other; 
of  them  who  were  decreed  to  go  astray.  Wherefore  go  through  t>>< 
earth,  O  tribe  of  Koreish.  and  see  what  hath  been  the  end  of  tho  v 
who  accused  their  apostles  of  imposture.  If  thou,  O  prophet,  dc  •'. 
earnestly  wish  for  their  direction;  verily  God  will  not  direct  hi  n 
whom  he  hath  resolved  to  lead  into  error;  neither  shall  they  ha  5 
any  helpers.  And  they  swear  most  solemnly  by  God,  saying,  G(  } 
will  not  raise  the  dead."  Yea;  the  promise  thereof  is  true:  but  tl  e 
greater  part  of  men  know  it  not.  He  will  raise  them  that  he  mt.  y 
clearly  show  them  the  truth  concerning  which  they  now  disagree, 
and  that  the  unbelievers  may  know  that  they  are  liars.  Verily  our 
speech  unto  anything,  when  we  will  the  same,  is,  that  we  only  say 
unto  it,  Be;  and  it  is.  As  for  those  who  have  fled  their  country  foi 
the  sake  of  God,  after  they  had  been  unjustly  persecuted ;  we  veil) 
surely  provide  them  an  excellent  habitation  in  this  world,  but  the 
reward  of  the  next  life  shall  be  greater;  if  they  knew  it.  They  \\lio 
persevere  patiently,  and  put  their  trust  in  their  Lord,  shall  not  fail  of 
happiness  in  this  life  and  in  that  which  is  to  come.  We  have  not 
sent  any  before  thee,  as  our  apostles,  other  than  men,  unto  whom 
we  spake  by  revelation.  Inquire  therefore  of  those  who  have  the 
custody  of  the  scriptures,  if  ye  know  not  this  to  be  truth.  We  sent 
them  with  evident  miracles,  and  written  revelations:  and  we  have 
sent  down  unto  thee  this  Koran,  that  thou  mayest  declare  unto  man- 
kind that  which  hath  been  sent  down  unto  them,  and  that  they  may 
consider.  Are  they  who  have  plotted  evil  against  their  prophet 
secure,  that  God  will  not  cause  the  earth  to  cleave  under  them,  or 
that  a  punishment  will  not  come  upon  them,  from  whence  they  do 
not  expect;  or  that  he  will  not  chastise  them  while  they  arc  busied 
in  travelling  from  one  place  to  another,  and  in  traffic?  (for  they 
shall  not  be  able  to  elude  the  power  of  God,)  or  that  he  will  not 
chastise  them  by  a  gradual  destruction?  But  your  Lord  is  truly 
gracious  and  mefcifufin  granting  you  respite.  I)o  they  not  consider 
the  things  which  God  hath  createth;  whose  shadows  are  cast  on  the 
right  hand  and  on  the  left,  worshipping  God,  and  become  con- 
tracted? Whatever  movcth  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  \vor- 
shippeth  God,  and  the  angels  also;  and  they  are  not  exalted  with 
pride,  so  as  to  disdain  his  service:  they  fear  their  Lord,  who  is  ex- 
alted above  them,  and  perform  that  which  they  are  commanded. 
God  said,  Take  not  unto  yourselves  two  gods;  for  there  is  but  one 
God;  and  revere  me.  Unto  him  belongeth  whatsoever  is  in  heaven 
and  on  earth;  and  unto  him  is  obedience  eternally  due.  Will  yc 


AL  KORAX.  147 

therefore  fear  any  besides  God?  Whatever  favours  ye  have  re- 
ceived, are  certainly  from  God;  and  when  evil  afflicteth  you,  unto 
him  do  ye  make  your  supplication;  yet  when  he  taketh  the  evil 
from  off  you,  behold,  a  part  of  you  give  a  companion  unto  their 
Lord,  to  show  their  ingratitude  for  the  favours  we  have  bestowed 
on  them.  Delight  yourselves  in  the  enjoyments  of  this  life:  but 
hereafter  shall  ye  know  that  ye  cannot  escape  the  divine  vengeance. 
And  they  set  apart  unto  idols  which  have  no  knowledge,  a  part  of 
the  food  which  we  have  provided  for  them.  By  God,  ye  shall  surely 
be  called  to  account  for  that  which  ye  have  falsely  devised.  They 
utriimfe  daughters  unto  God;  (far  be  it  from  him!)  but  unto  them- 
selves children  of  the  sex  which  they  desire.  And  when  any  of  them 
is  (old  tin-  news  of  the  birth  of  a  female,  his  face  becometh  black, 
and  he  is  deeply  afflicted:  he  hideth  himself  from  the  people,  because 
of  the  ill  tidings  which  have  been  told  him;  considering  within  him- 
self whether  he  shall  keep  it  with  disgrace,  or  whether  he  shall  bury 
it  in  the  dust.  Do  they  not  make  an  ill  judgment?  Unto  those  who 
believe  not  in  the  next  life,  the  similitude  of  evil  ought  to  be  applied, 
and  ucto  God  the  most  sublime  similitude;  for  he  is  mighty  and  wise. 
If  God  should  punish  men  for  their  iniquity  he  would  not  leave  on 
the  earth  any  moving  thing:  but  he  giveth  them  respite  unto  an  ap- 
pointed time;  and  when  their  time  shall  come,  they  shall  not  be  re- 
spited an  hour,  neither  shall  their  punishment  be  anticipated.  They 
attribute  unto  God  that  which  they  dislike  themselves,  and  their 
tongues  utter  a  lie;  namely,  that  the  reward  of  paradise  is  for  them. 
There  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  fire  of  hell  is  prepared  for  them,  and 
that  they  shall  be  sent  thither  before  the  rest  of  the  wicked.  By  God, 
we  have  heretofore  sent  messengers  unto  the  nations  before  thee:  but 
Satan  prepared  their  works  for  them;  he  was  their  patron  in  this 
world,  and  in  that  which  is  to  come  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  tor- 
ment. We  have  not  sent  down  the  book  of  the  Kontn  unto  thee,  for 
any  other  purpose,  than  that  thou  shouldest  declare  unto  them  that 
truth  concerning  which  they  disagree:  and  for  a  direction  and  mercy 
unto  people  who  believe.  God  sendeth  down  water  from  heaven, 
and  causeth  the  earth  to  revive  after  it  hath  been  dead.  Verily  here- 
in is  a  sign  of  the  resurrection  unto  people  who  hearken.  Ye  have 
also  in  cattle  an  example  of  instruction:  we  give  you  to  drink  of  that 
which  is  in  their  bellies,  a  liquor  between  digested  dregs,  and  blood: 
namely  pure  milk,  which  is  swallowed  with  pleasure  by  those  who 
drink  it.  And  of  the  fruits  of  palm-trees,  and  of  grapes,  ye  obtain 
an  inebriating  liquor,  and  also  good  nourishment.  Verily  herein  is 
a  sign  unto  people  who  understand.  T\iy  Lord  spake  by  inspiration 
unto  the  bee,  saying,  provide  thee  houses  in  the  mountains,  and  in 
the  trees,  and  of  those  materials  wherewith  men  build  hives  for  thee: 
then  eat  of  every  kind  of  fruit,  and  walk  in  the  beaten  paths  of  thy 
Lord.  There  prooeedeth  from  their  bellies  a  liquor  of  various  color-'. 
wherein  is  a  medicine  for  men.  Verily  herein  is  a  sign  unto  people 


148  AL  KORAN. 

who  consider  God  hath  created  you,  and  he  -will  hereafter  cause 
you  to  die :  and  some  of  you  shall  have  his  life  prolonged  to  a  de- 
crepit age,  so  that  he  shall  forget  whatever  he  knew;  foi  Goci  is  wise 
and  powerful.  God  causeth  some  of  you  to  excel  others  in  worldly 
possessions:  yet  they  who  are  caused  to  excel,  do  not  give  their 
wealth  unto  the  slaves  whom  heir  right  hands  possess,  that  they 
may  become  equal  sharers  therein.  Do  they  therefore  deny  the  bene- 
ficence of  God?  God  hath  ordained  you  wives  from  among  your- 
selves, and  of  your  wives  hath  granted  you  children  and  grandchil- 
dren; and  hath  bestowed  on  you  good  things  for  food.  Will  they 
therefore  believe  in  that  which  is  vain,  and  ungratefully  ik-ny  the 
goodness  of  God?  They  worship,  besides  God,  idols  v/iiich  po.-sos 
nothing  wherewith  to  sustain  them,  either  in  heaven,  or  on  earth; 
and  have  no  power.  Wherefore  liken  not  anything  unto  God. 
for  God  knoweth,  but  ye  know  not.  God  propoundeth  as  a  parable 
a  possessed  slave,  who  hath  power  over  nothing,  and  him  on  whom 
we  have  bestowed  a  good  provision  from  us,  and  who  giveth 
aims  thereout  both  secretly  and  openly:  shall  these  two  be  esteemed 
equal?  God  forbid!  But  the  greater  part  of  them  know  it  not. 
God  also  propounded]  as  a  parable  two  men;  one  of  them  born 
dumb,  who  is  unable  to  do  or  understand  anything,  but  is  a  burthen 
unto  his  master;  whithersoever  he  shall  send  him,  he  shall  not  return 
with  any  good  success:  shall  this  man,  and  he  who  hath  his  speech 
and  understanding,  and  who  commandeth  that  which  is  just,  and 
followeth  the  right  way,  be  esteemed  equal?  Unto  God  alone  is  the 
secret  of  heaven  and  earth  known.  And  the  business  of  the  last 
hour  shall  be  only  as  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  or  even  more  quick: 
for  God  is  almighty.  God  hath  brought  you  forth  from  the  womb* 
of  your  mothers;  ye  knew  nothing,  and  he  gave  you  the  senses  of 
hearing  and  seeing,  and  understandings,  that  ye  might  give  thanks. 
Do  they  not  behold  the  fowls  which  are  enabled  to  fly  in  the  open 
firmament  of  heaven?  none  supporteth  them  except  God.  Verily 
herein  are  signs  unto  people  who  believe.  God  hath  also  provided 
your  houses  for  habitations  for  you;  and  hath  also  provided  von  tents 
of  the  skins  of  cattle,  which  ye  "find  light  to  be  removed  on  the  clay  of 
your  departure  to  new  quarters,  and  easy  to  be  pitched  on  the  day  of 
your  sitting  down  therein :  and  of  their  wool,  and  their  fur,  and  their 
hair  hath  he  supplied  you  with  furniture  and  household- stuff  for  a 
season.  And  God  hath  provided  for  you,  of  that  which  he  hath 
created,  conveniences  to  shade  you  from  the  sun,  and  he  hath  also 
provided  you  places  of  retreat  in  the  mountains,  and  he  hath  given 
you  garments  to  defend  you  from  the  heat,  and  coats  of  mail  to 
defend  you  in  your  wars.  Thus  doth  he  accomplish  his  favour 
towards  you,  that  ye  may  resign  yourselves  unto  him.  But  if  they 
turn  back;  verily  thy  duty  is  public  preaching  only.  They  acknowl- 
edge the  goodness  of  God,  and  afterwards  they  deny  the  same;  but 
tlie  greater  part  of  them  are  unbelievers.  On  a  certain  day  we  will 


AL  KOftAK  149 

raise  ta  witness  out  of  every  nation :  then  they  who  shall  have  been 
unbelievers  shall  not  be  suffered  to  excuse  themselves,  neither  shall 
they  be  received  into  favour.  And  when  they  who  shall  have  acted 
unjustly  shall  see  the  torment  prepared  for  them;  (it  shall  not  be 
mitigated  unto  them,  neither  shall  they  be  respited;)  and  when  those 
who  shall  have  been  guilty  of  idolatry  shall  see  their  false  gods,  they 
shall  say,  O  Lord,  these  are  our  idols  which  we  invoked,  besides 
thee.  But  they  shall  return  an  answer  unto  them,  saying,  Verily  ye 
are  liars.  And  on  that  day  shall  the  wicked  offer  submission  unto 
God;  and  the  false  deities  which  they  imagined  shall  abandon  them. 
As  for  those  who  shall  have  been  infidels,  and  shall  have  turned  aside 
others  from  the  way  of  God,  we  will  add  unto  them  punishment  upon 
punishment,  because  they  have  corrupted  others.  On  a  certain  day 
we  will  raise  up  in  every  nation  a  witness  against  them,  from  among 
themselves;  and  we  will  bring  thee,  O  Mohammed,  as  a  witness 
against  these  Arabians.  We  have  sent  down  unto  thee  the  book  of 
the  Koran,  for  an  explication  of  every  thing  necessary  both  as  to  faith 
and  practice,  and  a  direction,  and  mercy,  and  good  tidings  unto  the 
Moslems.  Verily  God  commandeth  justice,  and  the  doing  of  good, 
and  the  giving  unto  kindred  what  shall  be  necessary;  and  he  for- 
biddeth  wickedness,  and  iniquity,  and  oppression:  he  admonisheth 
you  that  ye  may  remember.  Perform  your  covenant  with  God, 
when  ye  enter  into  covenant  with  him ;  and  violate  not  your  oaths, 
after  the  ratification  thereof;  since  ye  have  made  God  a  witness  over 
you.  Verily  God  knoweth  that  which  ye  do.  And  be  not  like  unto 
her  who  undoeth  that  which  she  hath  spun,  untwisting  it  after  she 
hath  twisted  it  strongly;  taking  your  oaths  between  you  deceitfully, 
because  one  party  is  more  numerous  than  another  party.  Verily 
God  only  templet  h  you  therein;  and  he  will  make  that  manifest  unto 
you,  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  concerning  which  ye  now  disagree. 
If  God  had  pleased,  he  would  surely  have  made  you  one  people: 
hut  he  will  lead  into  error  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  he  will  direct  whom 
lie  pleaselh;  and  ye  shall  surely  give  an  account  of  that  which  ye 
have  done.  Therefore;  take  not  your  oaths  between  you  deceitfully, 
lest  your  foot  slip,  after  it  hath  been  steadfastly  fixed,  and  ye  laste 
evil  ii;  this  life,  for  that  ye  have  turned  aside  from  the  way  of  God; 
and  ye  suffer  a  grievous  punishment  in  the  life  to  come.  And  sell  not 
tiie  covenant  of  God  for  a  small  price;  for  with  God  is  a  better 
recompense  prepared  for  you,  if  ye  be  men  of  understanding.  That 
which  is  with  you  will  fail;  but  that  which  is  with  God  is  permanent: 
and  we  will  surely  reward  those  who  shall  persevere,  according  to  the 
ul most  merit  of  their  actions.  Whoso  worketh  righteousness, 
whether  he  be  male  or  female,  and  is  a  true  believer,  we  will  surely 
raN"  him  to  a  happy  life;  and  we  will  give  them  their  reward,  ac- 
cording to  the  utmost  merit  of  their  actions,  When  thou  readest  the 
Koran,  have  recourse  unto  God,  that  he  may  preserve  thee  from 
Satan  driven  away  with  stones:  he  hath  no  power  over  those  who  be- 


150  AL  KORAN. 

lieve,  and  who  put  their  confidence  in  their  Lord ;  but  his  power  Is 
over  those  only,  who  take  him  for  their  patron,  and  who  give  com- 
panions unto  God.  When  we  substitute  in  the  Koran  an  abrogating 
verse  in  lieu  of  a  verse  abrogated,  (and  God  best  knoweth  the  fitness  of 
that  which  he  revealeth,)  the  infidels  say,  Thou  art  only  a  forger  of 
these  verses:  but  the  greater  part  of  them  know  not  truth  from  false- 
hood. Say,  The  holy  spirit  hath  brought  the  same  down  from  thy 
Lord  with  truth;  that  he  may  confirm  those  who  believe,  and  for  a 
direction  and  good  tidings  unto  the  Moslems.  We  also  know  that 
they  say,  Verily,  a  certain  man  teacheth  him  to  compose  the  Koran. 
The  tongue  of  the  person  unto  whom  they  incline,  is  a  foreign 
tongue;  but  this,  wherein  the  Koran  is  written,  is  the  perspicuous 
Arabic  tongue.  Moreover  as  for  those  who  believe  not  in  the  signs 
of  God,  God  will  not  direct  them,  and  they  shall  suffer  a  painful  tor- 
ment: verily  they  imagine  a  falsehood  who  believe  not  in  the  signs  of 
God,  and  they  are  really  the  liars.  Whoever  denieth  God,  after  ho 
hath  believed,"  except  him  who  shall  be  compelled  against  his  will, 
and  whose  heart  continueth  steadfast  in  the  faith,  shall  be  severely 
chastised:  but  whoever  shall  voluntarily  profess  infidelity,  on  those 
shall  the  indignation  of  God  fall,  and  they  shall  suffer  a  griev- 
ous punishment.  This  shall  be  their  sentence,  because  they 
have  loved  the  present  life  above  that  which  is  to  come,  and  for 
that  God  directeth  not  the  unbelieving  people.  These  are  they 
whose  hearts,  and  hearing,  and  sight  God  hath  sealed  up;  and 
these  are  the  negligent:  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  in  the  next 
life  they  shall  perish.  Moreover  thy  Lord  will  be  favourable  unto 
those  who  have  fled  their  country,  after  having  suffered  persecu- 
tion, and  been  compelled  to  deny  the  faith  by  violence,  and  who  have 
since  sought  in  defence  of  the  true  religion,  and  have  persevered  with 
patience;  verily  unto  these  will  thy  Lord  be  gracious  aud  merciful, 
after  they  shall  have  shown  their  sincerity.  On  a  certain  day  shall 
every  soul  come  to  plead  for  itself,  and  every  soul  shall  be  repaid  that 
which  it  shall  have  wrought;  and  they  shall  not  be  treated  unjustly. 
God  propoundeth  as  a  parable  a  city  which  was  secure  and  quiet, 
unto  which  her  provisions  came  in  abundance  from  every  side :  but 
she  ungratefully  denied  the  favours  of  God:  wherefore  God  caused 
her  to  taste  the  extreme  famine,  and  fear,  because  of  that  which  they 
had  done.  And  now  is  an  apostle  come  unto  the  inhabitants  of  Mecca 
from  among  themselves;  and  they  accuse  him  of  imposture:  where- 
fore a  punishment  shall  be  inflicted  on  them,  while  they  are  acting 
unjustly.  Eat  of  what  God  hath  given  you  for  food,  that  which  is 
lawful  and  good;  and  be  thankful  for  the  favours  of  God,  it  ye  serve 
him.  He  hath  only  forbidden  you  that  which  dieth  of  itself,  and 
blood,  and  swine's  flesh,  and  that' which  hath  been  slain  in  the  name 
of  any,  besides  God.  But  unto  him  who  shall  be  compelled  by  neces- 
sity to  eat  of  these  things,  not  lusting  nor  wilfully  transgressing,  God 
will  surely  be  gracious  and  merciful.  And  say  not  that  \\  herein  you* 


AL  KORAN.  151 

tongues  utter  a  lie;  This  is  lawful,  and  this  is  unlawful;  that  ye  may 
devise  a  lie  concerning  God:  for  they  who  devise  a  lie  concerning 
God,  shall  not  prosper.  They  shall  have  small  enjoyment  in  this 
world,  and  in  that  which  is  to"  come  they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  tor- 
ment. Unto  the  Jews  did  we  forbid  that  which  we  have  told  tliee 
formally:  and  we  did  them  no  injury  in  that  respect;  but  they  in- 
jured their  own  souls.  Moreover  thy  Lord  will  be  favourable  unto 
those  who  do  evil  through  ignorance;  and  afterwards  repent  and 
amend :  verily  unto  these  will  thy  Lord  be  gracious  and  merciful, 
after  their  repentance.  Abraham  was  a  model  of  true  religion,  obe- 
dient unto  God,  orthodox,  and  was  not  an  idolater:  he  was  also  grate- 
ful for  his  benefits:  wherefore  God  chose  him,  and  directed  him  into 
the  right  way.  And  we  bestowed  on  him  good  in  this  world;  and  in 
the  next  he  shall  surely  be  one  of  the  righteous.  We  have  also 
spoken  unto  thee,  O  Mohammed,  by  revelation,  saying,  Follow  the 
religion  of  Abraham,  who  was  orthodox,  and  was  no  idolater.  The 
sabbath  was  only  appointed  unto  those  who  differed  with  their  pro- 
phet concerning  it;  and  thy  Lord  will  surely  judge  between  them,  on 
the  day  of  resurrection,  as  to  that  concerning  which  they  differed. 
Invite  men  unto  the  way  of  thy  Lord,  by  wisdom,  and  mild  exhorta- 
tion; and  dispute  with  them  in  the  most  condescending  manner:  for 
thy  Lord  well  knoweth  him  who  strayeth  from  his  path,  and  he  well 
knoweth  those  who  are  rightly  directed.  If  ye  take  vengeance  on 
any,  take  a  vengeance  proportionable  to  the  wrong  which  hath  been 
dene  you ;  but  if  ye  suffer  wrong  patiently,  verily  this  will  be  better 
for  the  patient.  Wherefore  do  thou  bear  opposition  with  patience; 
but  thy  patience  shall  not  be  practicable,  unless  with  God's  assist- 
ance. And  be  not  thou  grieved  on  account  of  the  unbelievers ;  neither 
be  thou  troubled  for  that  which  they  subtilely  devise ;  for  God  is  with 
those  who  fear  him,  and  are  upright. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 

ENTITLED,    THE  NIGHT- JOrRXEY ;     REVEALED    AT  KECCA. 

IN    THE    NAME    OP    THE    MOST    MERCIFUL    QOD 

(XV.)  PRAISE  be  unto  him,  who  transported  his  servant  by  night, 
from  the  sacred  temple  of  Mecca  to  the  father  temple  of  Jerusalem, 
the  circuit  of  which  we  have  blessed,  that  we  might  show  him 
some  of  our  signs;  for  God  is  he  who  heareth,  and  seeth.  And 
we  gave  unto  Moses  the  book  of  the  law.  and  appointed  the  same  to 
be  a  direction  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  commanding  them,  saying, 
Beware  that  ye  take  not  any  other  patron  besides  me.  O  posterity 
of  those  whom  we  carried  in  the  ark  with  Noah:  verily  he  was  a 
grateful  servant.  And  we  expressly  declared  unto  the  children  of 
Israel  in  the  book  of  the  law,  saying,  Ye  will  surely  commit  evil  in 


152  AL  KORAN. 

the  earth  twice,  and  ye  will  be  elated  with  great  insolence.  And 
when  the  punishment  threatened  for  the  first  of  those  transgressions 
came  to  be  executed,  we  sent  against  you  our  servants,  endued  with 
exceeding  strength  in  war,  and  they  searched  the  inner  apartments 
of  your  houses;  and  the  prediction  became  accomplished.  Afterwards 
we  gave  you  the  victory  over  them,  in  your  turn,  and  we  granted  you 
increase  of  wealth  and  children,  and  we  made  you  a  more  numer- 
ous people,  saying,  If  ye  do  well,  ye  will  do  well  to  your  own  souls; 
and  if  ye  do  evil,  ye  will  do  it  unto  the  same.  And  when  the  punish- 
ment threatened  for  your  latter  transgression  come  to  be  executed,  we 
we  sent  enemies  against  you,  to  afflict  you,  and  to  enter  the  temple,  as 
they  entered  it  the  first  time,  and  utterly  to  destroy  that  which  they 
had  conquered.  Peradventure  your  Lord  will  have  mercy  on  you 
hereafter:  but  if  ye  return  to  transgress  a  third  time,  we  also  will  re- 
turn to  chastise  you;  and  we  have  appointed  hell  to  be  the  prison  of 
the  unbelievers.  Verily  this  Koran  directeth  unto  the  way  which  is 
most  right,  and  declareth  unto  the  faithful,  who  do  good  works,  that 
they  shall  receive  a  great  reward;  and  that  for  those  who  believe  not 
in  the  life  to  come,  we  have  prepared  a  grievous  punishment.  Man 
prayeth  for  evil,  as  he  prayeth  for  good ;  for  man  is  hasty.  We  have 
ordained  the  night  and  the  day  for  two  signs  of  our  power:  after- 
wards we  blot  out  the  sign  of  the  night,  and  we  cause  the  sign  of  the 
day  to  shine  forth,  that  ye  may  endeavour  to  obtain  plenty  from 
your  Lord  by  doing  your  business  therein,  and  that  ye  may  know 
the  number  of  years,  and  the  computation  of  time;  and  every- 
thing necessary  have  we  explained  by  a  perspicuous  explication. 
The  fate  of  every  man  have  we  bound  about  his  neck;  and  we 
will  produce  unto  him,  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  a  book  where 
in  his  actions  shall  be  recorded :  it  shall  be  offered  him  open,  and- 
the  angels  shall  say  unto  him,  Read  thy  book;  thine  own  soul  will 
be  a  sufficient  accountant  against  thee,  this  day.  He  who  shall 
be  rightly  directed,  shall  be  directed  to  the  advantage  only  of  his 
own  soui;  and  he  who  shall  err,  shall  err  only  against  the  same: 
neither  shall  any  laden  soul  be  charged  with  the  burthen  of  an- 
other. We  did  not  punish  any  people,  until  we  had  first  sent  an 
apostle  to  warn  them.  And  when  we  resolved  to  destroy  a  city, 
we  commanded  the  inhabitants  thereof,  who  lived  in  affluence,  to 
obey  our  apostle;  but  they  acted  corruptly  therein:  wherefore  the 
sentence  was  justly  pronounced  against  that  city;  and  we  destroyed 
it  with  an  utter  destruction.  And  how  many  generations  have 
we  consumed  since  Noah?  for  thy  Lord  sufficiently  knoweth 
and  seeth  the  sins  of  his  servants.  Whosoever  chooseth  this 
transitory  life,  we  will  bestow  on  him  therein  beforehand  that 
which  we  please;  on  him,  namely,  whom  we  please:  afterwards  will 
we  ^appoint  him  hell  for  his  abode;  he  shall  be  thrown  into  the  same 
to  be  scorched,  covered  with  ignominy,  and  utterly  rejected  from 
mercy.  But  whosoever  chooseth  the  life  to  come,  and  directeth  his 


AL  KORAN.  153 

endeavour  towards  the  same,  being  also  a  true  believer;  the  endeav- 
our of  these  shall  be  acceptable  unto  God.  On  all  will  we  bestow  the 
j  blessings  of  this  life,  both  on  these  and  on  those,  of  the  gift  of  thy 
Lord ;  for  the  gift  of  thy  Lord  shall  not  be  denied  unto  any.  Be- 
hold, how  we  have  caused  some  of  them  to  surpass  others  in  wealth 
and  dignity:  but  the  next  life  shall  be  more  considerable  in  degrees 
of  honour,  and  greater  in  excellence.  Set  not  up  another  God  with 
the  true  God,  lest  thou  sit  down  in  disgrace,  and  destitute.  Thy  Lord 
hath  commanded  that  ye  worship  none,  besides  him;  and  that  ye 
show  kindness  unto  your  parents,  whether  the  one  of  them,  or  both 
of  them  attain  to  old  age  with  thee.  Wherefore  say  not  unto  them, 
Fie  on  you!  neither  reproach  them,  but  speak  respectfully  unto  them; 
and  submit  to  behave  humbly  towards  them,  out  of  tender  affection, 
and  say,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  on  them  both,  as  they  nursed  me  when 
I  was  little.  Your  Lord  well  knowcth  that  which  is  in  your  souls; 
whether  ye  be  men  of  integrity:  and  he  will  be  gracious  unto  those 
who  sincerely  return  unto  him.  And  give  unto  him  who  is  of  kin  to 
you  his  due,  and  also  unto  the  poor,  and  the  traveller.  And  waste 
not  thy  substance  profusely :  for  the  profuse  are  brethren  of  the  devils : 
and  the  devil  was  ungrateful  unto  his  Lord.  But  if  thou  turn  from 
them,  in  expectation  of  the  mercy  which  thou  hopest  from  thy  Lord ; 
at  least,  speak  kindly  unto  them.  And  let  not  thy  hand  be  tied  up  to 
thy  neck;  neither  open  it  with  an  unbounded  expansion,  lest  thou 
become  worthy  of  reprehension,  and  be  reduced  to  poverty.  Verity 
thy  Lord  v  ill  enlarge  the  store  of  whom  he  pleaseth;  and  will  be 
sparing  unto  whom  he  pleaseth ;  for  he  knoweth  and  regardeth  his 
servants.  Kill  not  your  children  for  fear  of  being  brought  to  want; 
we  will  provide  for  them  and  for  you:  verily  the  killing  them  is  a 
great  sin.  Draw  not  near  unto  fornication;  for  it  is  wickedness,  and 
an  evil  way.  Neither  slay  the  soul  which  God  hath  forbidden  you  to 
slay,  unless  for  a  just  cause;  and  whosoever  shall  be  slain  unjustly, 
we  have  given  his  heir  power  to  demand  satisfaction ;  but  let  him 
not  exceed  the  bounds  of  moderation  in  putting  to  death  the  murderer 
in  too  cruel  a  mannsr,  or  by  revenging  his  friend's  blood  on  any  other 
than  the  person  who  killed  him;  since  he  is  assisted  by  tliis  law. 
And  meddle  not  with  the  substance  of  the  orphan,  unless  it  be  to 
improve  it,  until  he  attain  his  age  of  strength:  and  perform  your 
covenant;  for  the  performance  of  your  covenant  shall  be  inquired 
into  hereafter.  And  give  full  measure,  when  you  measure  ought; 
and  weigh  with  a  just  balance.  This  will  be  better,  and  more  easy 
for  determining  ever}'  man's  due.  And  follow  not  that  whereof  thou 
hast  no  knowledge;  for  the  hearing,  and  the  sight,  and  the  heart, 
every  of  these  shall  be  examined  at  the  last  day.  Walk  not  proudly 
in  the  land,  for  thou  canst  not  cleave  the  earth,  neither  shalt  thou 
equal  the  mountains  in  stature.  All  this  is  evil,  and  abominable  in 
the  sight  of  thy  Lord.  These  precepts  are  a  part  of  the  wisdom 
which  thy  Lord  hath  revealed  unto  thee.  Set  not  up  any  other  god 


154  AL  KORAN. 

as  equal  unto  God,  lest  thou  be  cast  into  hell,  reproved  and  rejected. 
Hath  your  Lord  preferably  granted  unto  you  sons,  and  taken  for 
himself  daughters  from  among  the  angels?  Verily  in  asserting  this 
ye  utter  a  grievous  saying.  And  now  have  we  used  various  argu- 
ments and  repetitions  in  this  Koran,  that  they  may  be  warned;  yet  it 
only  rendereth  them  more  disposed  to  fly  from  the  truth.  Say'unto 
thc'idolaters,  If  there  were  other  gods  with  him,  as  ye  say  they  would 
surely  seek  an  occasion  of  making  some  attempt  against  the  possessor 
of  the  throne:  God  forbid  !  and  far,  very  far,  be  that  from  him 
which  they  utter!  The  seven  heavens  praise  him,  and  the  earth,  and 
all  who  are  therein :  neither  is  there  anything  which  doth  not  cele- 
brate his  praise;  but  ye  understand  not  their  celebration  thereof:  he 
is  gracious  and  merciful.  When  thou  readest  the  Koran,  we  place 
between  thee  and  those  who  believe  not  in  the  life  to  come,  a  dark 
veil ;  and  we  put  coverings  over  their  hearts,  lest  they  should  under- 
stand it,  and  in  their  ears  thickness  of  hearing.  And  when  thou 
makest  mention,  in  repeating  the  Koran,  of  thy  Lord  only,  they 
turn  ther  backs,  flying  the  doctrine  of  his  unity.  We  well  know  with 
what  design  they  hearken,  when  they  hearken  unto  thee,  and  when 
they  privately  discourse  together:  when  the  ungodly  say,  Ye  follow 
no  other  than  a  madman.  Behold  !  what  epithets  they  bestow  on 
thee.  But  they  are  deceived;  neither  can  they  find  any  just  occasion 
to  reproach  thee.  They  also  say,  After  we  shall  have  become  bones 
and  dust,  shall  we  surely  be  raised  a  new  creature?  Answer,  Be  ye 
stones,  or  iron,  or  some  creature  more  improbable  in  your  opinions  to 
be  raised  to  life*  But  they  will  say.  Who  shall  restore  us  to  life? 
Answer,  He  who  created  you  the  first  time-  and  they  will  wag  their 
heads  at  thee,  saying,  When  shall  this  be?  Answer,  Peradventure  it 
is  nigh.  On  that  day  shall  God  call  you  forth  from  your  sepulchres, 
and  ye  shall  obey,  with  celebration  of  his  praise;  and  ye  shall  think 
that  ye  tarried  but  a  little  while.  Speak  unto  my  servants,  that  they 
speak  mildly  unto  the  unbelievers,  lest  ye  exasperate  them;  for  Satan 
soweth  discord  among  them,  and  Satan  is  a  declared  enemy  unto 
man.  Your  Lord  well  knoweth  you;  if  he  pleaseth,  he  will  have 
mercy  on  you,  or,  if  he  pleaseth,  he  will  punish  you-  and1  we  have, 
not  sent  thee  to  be  a  steward  over  them.  Thy  Lord  well  knoweth  all 
persons  in  heaven  and  on  earth.  We  have  bestowed  peculiar  favours 
on  some  of  the  prophets,  preferably  to  others;  and  we  gave  unto 
David  the  psalms.  Say,  Call  upon  those  whom  ye  imagine  to  be  gods 
besides  him ;  yet  they  will  not  be  able  to  free  you  from  harm,  or  to 
turn  it  on  others.  Those  whom  ye  invoke,  do  themselves  desire  to 
be  admitted  to  a  near  conjunction  with  their  Lord;  striving  which  of 
them  shall  approach  nearest  unto  him :  they  also  hope  for  his  mercy, 
and  dread  his  punishment;  for  the  punishment  of  thy  Lord  is  terrible. 
There  is  no  city  but  we  will  destroy  the  same  before  the  day  of  resur- 
rection, or  we  will  punish  it  with  a  grievous  punishment.  This  is 
written  in  the  book  of  our  eternal  decrees.  Nothing  hindered  us  from 


AL  KORAN.  155 

sending  thee  with  miracles,  except  that  the  former  nations  have 
charged  them  with  imposture.  We  gave  unto  the  tribe  of  Thamud, 
at  their  demand,  the  she-camel  visible  to  their  sight;  yet  they  dealt 
unjustly  with  her:  and  we  send  not  a  prophet  with  miracles,  but  to 
strike  terror.  Remember  when  we  said  unto  thee,  Verily  thy  Lord 
encompasseth  men  by  his  knowledge  and  power.  We  have  appointed 
the  vision  which  we  showed  thee,  and  also  the  tree  cursed  in  the 
Koran,  only  for  an  occasion  of  dispute  unto  men,  and  to  strike  them 
with  terror;  but  it  shall  cause  them  to  transgress  only  the  more  enor- 
mously. And  remember  when  we  said  unto  the  angels,  Worship 
Adam":  and  they  all  worshipped  him  except  Eblis,  who'said,  Shall  I 
worship  him  whom  thou  hast  created  of  day?  And  he  said,  What 
thiukest  thou,  as  to  this  man  whom  thou  hast  honoured  above  me? 
verily,  if  thou  grant  me  respite  until  the  day  of  resurrection,  I  will 
extirpate  his  offspring,  except  a  few.  God  answered,  Begone,  I  grant 
thee  respite :  but  whosoever  of  them  shall  follow  thee,  hell  shall  surely 
be  your  reward;  an  ample  reward  for  your  demerits!  And  entice  to 
vanity  such  of  them  as  thou  canst,  by  thy  voice ;  and  assault  them  on 
all  sides  with  thy  horsemen  and  thy  footmen;  and  partake  with  them 
in  their  riches,  and  their  children;  and  make  them  promises;  (but 
th !  devil  shall  make  them  no  other  than  deceitful  promises:)  as  to 
my  servants,  thou  shall  have  no  power  over  them;  for  thy  Lord  is  a 
sufLoient  protector  of  those  who  trust  in  him.  It  is  your  Lord  who 
driveth  forward  the  ships  for  you  in  the  sea,  that  ye  may  seek  to 
enrich  yourselves  of  his  abundance  by  commerce ;  for  he  is  merciful 
towards  you.  When  a  misfortuns  befalleth  you  at  sea,  the  false 
deities  whom  ye  invoke  are  forgotten  by  you,  except  him  alone:  yet 
when  le  bringeth  you  safe  to  dry  land,  ye  retire  afar  off  from  him, 
and  i  turn  to  you  idols;  for  man  is  ungrateful.  Are  ye  therefore 
secun  that  he  will  not  cause  the  dry  land  to  swallow  you  up,  or  that 
lie  wi  I  not  send  against  you  a  whirlwind  driving  the  sands  to  over- 
whelm you?  then  shall  ye  find  none  to  protect  you.  Or  are  ye  secure 
rhat  he  will  not  cause  you  again  to  commit  yourselves  to  the  sea  an- 
other time,  and  send  against  you  a  tempestuous  wind,  and  drown 
vou  for  that  ye  have  been  ungrateful?  then  shall  ye  find  none  to 
defend  you  against  us,  in  that  distress.  And  now  have  we  honoured 
the  children  of  Adam  by  sundry  peculiar  privileges  and  endowments; 
and  we  have  given  them  conveniences  of  carnage  by  land  and  by 
sea  and  have  provided  food  for  them  of  good  things;  and  we  have 
preferred  them  before  many  of  our  creatures  which  we  have  created, 
by  granting  them  great  prerogatives.  On  a  certain  day  we  will 
call  all  men  to  judgment  with  their  respective  leader:  and  whoso- 
ever shall  have  his  book  given  him  into  his  right  hand,  they  shall 
read  their  book  with  joy  and  satisfaction;  and  they  shall  not  be 
wronged  a  hair.  And  whoever  hath  been  blind  in  this  life,  shall 
be  also  blind  in  the  next,  and  shall  wander  more  widely  from  the  path 
of  salvation.  It  wanted  little  but  the  unbelievers  had  tempted  thee  to 


156  AL  KORAN. 

swerve  from  the  instructions  which  we  had  revealed  unto  thee,  that 
thou  shouldest  devise  concerning  us  a  different  thing:  and  then  would 
they  have  taken  thee  for  their  friend:  and  unless  we  had  confirmed 
tliee,  thou  hadst  certainly  been  very  near  inclining  unto  them  a  little. 
Then  would  we  surely  have  caused  thee  to  taste  the  punishment  of 
life,  and  the  punishment  of  death;  and  thou  shouldest  not  have 
found  am*  to  protect  thee  against  us.  The  unbelievers  had  likewise 
almost  caused  thee  to  depart  the  land,  that  they  might  have  expelled 
thee  thence;  but  then  should  they  not  have  tarried  therein  after  thee, 
except  a  little  while.  This  is  the  method  of  dealing  which  \ve  have 
prescribed  ourselves  in  respect  to  our  apostles,  whom  we  have  already 
sent  before  thee:  and  thou  shalt  not  find  any  change  in  pur  prescribed 
method.  Regularly  perform  thy  prayer  at  the  declension  of  the  sun, 
at  the  first  darkness  of  the  night,  and  the  prayer  of  daybreak ;  for 
the  prayer  of  daybreak  is  borne  witness  unto  by  the  angels.  And 
watch  some  part  of  the  night  in  the  same  exercise,  as  a  work  of 
supererogation  for  thee;  peradventure  thy  Lord  will  raise  thee  to  an 
honourable  station.  And  say,  O  Lord,  cause  me  to  enter  with  a 
favourable  entry,  and  cause  me  to  come  forth  with  a  favourable  com- 
ing forth;  and  grant  me  from  thee  an  assisting  power.  And  say, 
Truth  is  come,  and  falsehood  is  vanished :  for  falsehood  is  of  short 
continuance.  We  send  down  of  the  Koran  that  which  is  a  medicine 
and  a  mercy  unto  the  true  believers,  but  it  shall  only  increase  the  per- 
dition of  the  unjust.  When  we  bestow  favours  on  man,  he  retireth  and 
withdraweth  himself  ungratefully  from  us :  but  when  evil  toucheth 
him,  he  despaireth  of  our  mercy.  Say,  Every  one  acteth  after  his 
own  manner:  but  your  Lord  best  knoweth  who  is  most  truly  directed 
in  his  wray.  They  will  ask  thee  concerning  the  spirit:  answer, 
The  spirit  was  created  at  the  command  of  my  Lord:  but  ye  have 
no  knowledge  given  unto  you,  except  a  little.  If  we  pleased, 
we  should  certainly  take  away  that  which  we  have  revealed  unto 
thee;  in  such  case  thou  couldest  not  find  any  to  assist  thee  there- 
in against  us,  unless  through  mercy  from  thy  Lord;  for  his  favour 
towards  thee  hath  been  great.  Say,  Verily  if  men  and  genii  were 
purposely  assembled,  that  they  might  produce  a  book  like  this 
Koran,  they  could  not  produce  one  like  unto  it,  although  the  one 
of  them  assisted  the  other.  And  we  have  variously  propounded  unto 
men  in  this  KorSn,  every  kind  of  figurative  argument;  but  the 
greater  part  of  men  refuse  to  receive  it,  merely  out  of  infidelity. 
And  they  say,  We  will  by  no  means  believe  on  thee,  until  thou  cause 
a  spring  of  water  to  gush  forth  for  us  out  of  the  earth ;  or  thou  have 
a  garden  of  palm-trees  and  vines,  and  thou  cause  rivers  to  spring 
forth  from  the  midst  thereof  in  abundance ;  or  thou  cause  the  heaven 
to  fall  down  upon  us,  as  thou  hast  given  out,  in  pieces :  or  thou  bring 
down  God  and  the  angels  to  vouch  for  thee ;  or  thou  have  a  house  of 
gold ;  or  thou  ascend  by  a  ladder  to  heaven :  neither  will  we  believe 
thy  ascending  thither  alone,  until  thou  cause  a  book  to  descend  unto 


AL  KORAN.  15? 

us,  bearing  witness  of  thee,  which  we  may  rearf  Answer,  My  Lord 
be  praised! ,  Am  I  other  than  a  man,  sent  as  an  apostle?  And 
nothing  hindereth  men  from  believing,  wlien  a  direction  is  come  unto 
them,  except  that  they  say,  Hath  God  sent  a  man  for  his  apostle? 
Answer,  If  the  angels  had  walked  on  earth  as  familiar  inhabitants 
thereof,  we  had  surely  sent  down  unto  thc:n  from  heaven  an  angel  fof 
our  apostle.  Say,  God  is  a  sufficient  witness  between  me  and  you 
for  he  knoweth  and  regardeth  his  servants  Whom  God  shall  direct, 
he  shall  be  the  rightty  directed,  and  whom  he  -shall  cause  to  err, 
taou  sha.lt  find  none  to  assist,  besides  him.  And  we  will  gather  then* 
together  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  creeping  on  their  faces,  blind,  and 
dumb,  and  deaf-  their  abode  shall  be  hell  so  often  as  the  tire  there 
of  shall  be  extinguished,  we  will  rekindle  a  burning  flame  to  torment 
them.  This  shall  be  their  reward,  because  they  disbelieve  in  oui 
signs,  and  say,  When  we  shall  have  been  reduced  to  bones  and  dust, 
shall  we  surely  be  raised  new  creaiuies?  Do  they  not  perceive  that 
God,  wh<;  crested  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  is  able  to  create  other 
bodies,  like  then  present.-.-  And  he  hath  appointed  them  a  limited 
term,  then-  is  no  doubt  thereof:  but  the  ungodly  reject  the  truth, 
merely  ouf  of  unbelief  Say.  If  ye  possessed  the  treasures  of  the 
mercy  of  my  Lord,  ye  would  surely  refrain  from  using  them,  for  fear 
of  spending  tliem.  for  man  is  covetous.  We  heretofore  gave  unto 
Moses  th::  power  of  working  nine  evident  signs.  And  do  thou  ask 
the  children  of  Israel  as  to  the  story  of  Moses;  when  he  came  unto 
them,  and  Pharaoh  said  unto  him.  Verily  I  esteem  thee,  O  Moses,  to 
be  deluded  by  sorcery.  Moses  answered,  Thou  well  knowest  that 
none  hath  sent  down  these  evident  signs  except  the  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth;  and  I  surely  esteem  thee,  O  Pharaoh,  a  lost  man.  Where- 
fore Pharaoh  sought  to  drive  them  out  of  the  land,  but  we  drowned 
him,  and  all  those  who  were  with  him.  And  we  said  unto  the  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  after  his  destruction,  Dwell  ye  in  the  land:  and  when 
the  promise  of  the  next  life  shall  come  to  be  fulfilled,  we  will  bring 
you  both  promiscuously  to  judgment.  We  have  sent  down  the  Koran 
with  truth,  and  it  hath  descended  with  truth:  and  we  have  not  sent 
thee  otherwise  than  to  be  a  bearer  of  good  tidings,  and  a  denouncer  of 
threats.  And  we  have  divided  the  Koran,  revealing  it  byparcels,  that 
thou  mightest  read  it  unto  men  with  deliberation;  and  we  have  sent 
it  down,  causing  it  to  descend  as  occasion  required.  Say,  Whether 
ye  believe  therein,  or  do  not  believe,  verily  those  who  have  been 
favoured  with  the  knowledge  of  the  scriptures  which  were  revealed 
before  it,  when  the  same  is  rehearsed  unto  them,  fall  down  on  their 
faces,  worshipping,  and  say,  Our  Lord  be  praised,  for  that  the  pro 
mise  of  our  Lord  is  surely  fulfilled!  And  they  fall  down  on  their 
faces,  weeping;  and  the  hearing  thereof  increaseth  their  humility 
•>ay,  ('ail  upon  God,  or  call  on  the  Merciful:  by  whichsoever  of  the 
two  names  ye  invoke  him,  it  is  equal;  for  he  hath  most  excellent, 
uames.  Pronounce  not  thy  prayer  aloud,  neither  pronounce  it  vvltb 


158  AL  KORAN. 

too  low  a  voice,  but  follow  a  middle  way  between  these :  and  say, 
Praise  be  unto  God,  who  hath  not  begotten  any  child ;  who  hath  no 
partner  in  the  kingdom,  nor  hath  any  to  protect  hinilroui  contempt; 
and  magnify  him  by  proclaiming  his  greatness. 


CHAPTER  XVIIL 

ENTITLED,    THE  CAVE;  REVEALED   AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  TBK  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

PRAISE  be  unto  God,  who  hath  sent  down  unto  his  servant  the 
book  of  the  Koran,  and  hath  not.  Inserted  therein  any  crookedness, 
but  hath  made  it  a  straight  rule  that  he  should  threaten  a  griev- 
ous punishment  unto  the  unbelievers,  from  his  presence;  and  should 
bear  good  tidings  unto  the  faithful,  who  work  righteousness,  that 
they  shall  receive  an  excellent  reward,  namely,  paradise,  wherein 
they  shall  remain  for  ever  and  that  he  should  warn  those  who  say 
God  hath  begotten  issue;  of  which  matter  they  have  no  knowledge 
neither  had  their  fathers.  A  grievous  saying  it  is,  which  proceed eth 
from  their  mouths  they  speak  no  other  than  a  lie.  Peradventure 
thou  wilt  kill  thyself  >vifh  grief  after  them,  out  of  thy  earnest  zeal 
for  their  conversion,  if  they  believe  not  in  this  new  revelation  of  the 
Koran.  Verily  we  have  ordained  whatsoever  is  on  the  earth  for  the 
ornament  thereof,  that  we  might  make  rial  of  men,  and  see  which  of 
them  excelleth  in  works:  and  we  will  surely  reduce  whatever  is 
thereon,  to  dry  dust.  Dost  thou  consider  that  the  companions  of  the 
cave,  and  Al  Rakim,  were  one  of  our  signs,  and  a  great  miracle? 
When  the  young  men  took  refuge  in  the  cave,  they  said,  O  Lord, 
grant  us  mercy  from  before  thee,  and  dispose  our  business  for  us  to 
a  right  issue.  Wherefore  we  struck  their  ears  with  deafness,  so  that 
they  slept  without  disturbance  in  the  cave  for  a  great  number  of 
years  then  we  awakened  them,  that  we  might  know  which  of  the  twc 
parties  was  more  exact  in  computing  the  space  which  they  had  r»*- 
mained  there.  We  will  relate  unto  thee  their  history  with  truth 
Verily  they  were  young  men  who  had  believed  in  their  Lord;  and 
we  had  abundantly  directed  them  and  we  fortified  their  hearts  with 
constancy  when  they  stood  before  the  tyrant :  and  they  said,  Oui 
Lord  is  the  Lord  of  Heaven  and  earth  we  will  by  no  means  call  on 
any  god  besides  him,  for  then  should  we  surely  utter  an  extravagance. 
These  our  fellow  people  have  taken  other  gods,  besides  him:  although 
'.hey  bring  no  demonstrative  argument  for  them:  and  who  is  mora 
unjust  than  he  who  deviseth  a  lie  concerning  God?  And  they  said 
the  one  to  the  other,  When  ye  shall  separate  yourselves  from  "them, 
and  from  the  deities  which  they  worship,  except  God,  fly  into  th« 
cave,  your  Lord  will  pour  his  mercy  on  you  abundantly,  an<i  wil 
dispose  your  business  for  you  to  advantage  And  thou  mlghtestAave 


AL  KORAN.  158 

seen  the  sun,  when  it  had  risen,  to  decline  from  their  cave  towards 
the  right  hand :  and  when  it  went  down,  to  leave  them  on  the  left 
hand  and  they  were  in  the  spacious  part  of  the  cave.  This  was  one 
of  the  signs  of  God.  Whomsoever  God  shall  direct,  he  shall  be 
rightly  directed .  and  whomsoever  he  shall  cause  to  err.  thou  shall  not 
find  any  to  defend  or  to  direct.  And  thou  wouldest  have  judged  tbem 
to  have  been  awake,  while  they  were  sleeping;  and  we  caused  them 
to  turn  themselves  to  the  right  hand,  and  to  the  left.  And  their  dog 
stretched  forth  his  fore-legs  in  the  mouth  of  the  cave-  if  thou  had.-t 
ccme  suddenly  upon  them,  verily  thou  wouldest  have  turned  thy  back 
and  fled  from  them,  and  thou  wouldest  have  been  filled  with  fear  at 
the  sight  of  them.  And  so  we  awaked  them  from  their  sleep,  that 
they  might  ask  questions  of  one  another.  One  of  them  spake  and 
said,  How  long  have  ye  tarried  here?  They  answered,  We  have 
tarried  a  day,  or  part  of  a  day  The  others  said.  Your  Lord  best 
knoweth  the  time  ye  have  tarried :  and  now  send  one  of  you  with 
this  your  money  into  the  city,  and  let  him  see  which  of  its  inhabit- 
ants hath  the  best  and  cheapest  food,  and  let  him  bring  you  provision 
from  him.  and  let  him  behave  circumspectly,  and  not  discover  you 
to  any  one.  Verily,  if  they  come  up  against  you,  they  will  stone 
you,  or  force  you  to  return  to  their  religion;  and  then  shall  ye 
not  prosper  for  ever.  And  so  we  made  their  people  acquainted 
with  what  had  happened  to  them;  that  they  might  know  that  the 
promise  of  God  is  true,  and  that  there  is  no  doubt  of  the  last  hour; 
when  they  disputed  among  themselves  concerning  their  matter. 
And  they  said,  Erect  a  building  over  them:  their  Lord  best  knoweth 
their  condition.  Those  who  prevailed  in  their  affair  answered,  We 
will  surely  build  a  chapel  over  them.  Some  say,  The  sleepers  were 
three;  and  their  clog  was  the  fourth:  and  others  say,  They  were 
five;  and  their  dog  was  the  sixth,  guessing  at  a  secret  matter:  and 
others  say,  They  were  seven ;  and  their  dog  was  the  eighth.  Say,  My 
Lord  best  knoweth  their  number:  none  shall  know  them,  except  a 
few.  Wherefore  dispute  not  concerning  them,  unless  with  a  clear 
disputation,  according  to  what  hath  been  revealed  unto  thee :  and 
ask  not  any  of  the  Christians  concerning  them.  Say  not  of  any 
matter,  I  will  surely  do  this  to-morrow;  unless  thou  add,  If  God 
please.  And  remember  thy  Lord,  when  thou  forgettest,  and  say,  My 
Lord  is  able  to  direct  me  with  ease,  that  1  may  draw  near  unto  the 
truth  of  this  matter  rightly.  And  they  rcraai'nj.d  in  their  cave  three 
hundred  years,  and  nine  years  over.  Say,  God  best  knoweth  how 
long  they  continued  there .  unto  him  are  the  secrets  of  heaven  and 
earth  known,  do  thou  make  him  to  see  and  to  hear.  The  inhabitants 
thereof  have  no  protector  besides  him;  neither  doth  he  suffer  any 
one  to  have  a  share  in  the  establishment  or  knowledge  of  his  decree. 
Ilcid  that  which  hath  been  revealed  unto  thee,  of  the  book  of  thy 
Lord,  without  presuming  to  make  any  change  therein:  there  is  none 
who  hath  power  to  change  his  words;  and  thou  shalt  not  find  any 


150  AL  KORAN. 

to  fly  to,  tesides  him,  if  thou  attempt  it     Behave  thyself  with  con- 
stancy  towards  those  who  call  upon  their  Lord  morning  and  evening, 
and  who  seek  his  favour,  and  let  not  thine  eyes  be  turned  away  hum 
them,  seeking  the  pomp  of  this  life;  neither  obey  him  whose  heart 
we  have  caused  to  neglect  the  remembrance  of  us,  and  who  followeth 
his  lusts,  and  leaveth  the  truth  behind  him,  and  say,  The  truth  is 
from  your  Lord;    wherefore  let  him  who  will,  believe,  and  let  him 
who  wi1!,  be  incredulous.     We  have  surely  prepared  for  the  unjust 
hell  fire,  *he  flame  and  smoke  whereof   shall    surround    them    like 
a   pavilion-    and    if  they  beg    relief,  they  shall    be    relieved    v.  itl 
water  like  molten  brass,   which    shall    scald    their    faces;    O    1  ow 
miserable  a  portion,  and  how  unhappy  a  coucljt    AS  to  those  who 
believe  and  do  good  works,  we  will  not  suffer  the  reward  of  him 
who  shall  work  righteousness    to    perish     for  them   are   prepued 
gardens  of  eternal  abode,  which  shall  be  watered  by  rivers:    they 
shall  be   adorned    therein    with    bracelets   of   gold,  "and    shall    lie 
clothed  in  green  garments  of  fine  silk  and  brocades,  reposing  them 
selves  therein  on  thrones.     ()  how   happy  a  reward,  and  how  <  ;i>y  a 
couch!     And  propound  unto  them  as  a"  parable  two  men-   on  the 
one  of  whom  we  had  bestowed  two  vineyards,  and  had  surrounded 
them    with    palm-trees,  and   had    caused    corn    to    grow    U-tween 
them.      Each  of    the  gardens  brought  forth  its  fruit  every  sea.-on, 
and  failed  not  at  all;  and  we  caused  a  river  to  flow  in  the  midst 
thereof    and  he  had  great  abundance.     And  he  said  unto  his  com 
panion  by  way  of  debate,  I  am  superior  to  thee  in  wealth,  and  have 
a  more  powerful  family.     And  he  went  into  his  garden,  being  guilty 
of  injustice  against  his  own    soul,  and  said,  I    do   not   think   that 
this  garden  will  decay  for  ever,    neither  do    I  think  that  the  las* 
hour  will  come:    and   although    I    should    return    unto   my  Lord, 
verily  I  shall   find  a    better  garden    than    this  in  exchange.     And 
Ms  companion  said  unto  him,  by  way  of  debate.  Dost  thou  not  be 
lieve  in  him  who  created  thee  of  the  dust,  and  afterwards  of  seed; 
and  then  fashioned  thee  into  a  perfect  man9    But  as  for  me,  God  is 
my  Lord;  and  I  will  not  associate  any  other  deity  with  my  Lord. 
And  when  thou  enterest  thy  garden,  wilt   thou  rot   say.  What  God 
pleaseth  shall  come  to  pass;  there  is  no  power  but  in  God  alone? 
Although  thou  seest  me  to  be  inferior  to  thee  in  wealth  and  number 
of  children,  my  Lord  is  well  able  to  bestow  on  me  a  better  gift  than 
thy  irarden  and  to  shoot  his  arrows  against  the  same  from  heaven,  so 
that  it  shall  become  barren  dust,  or  its  water  may  sink  deep  into  the 
earth,  that  thou  canst  not  draw  thereof.     And  his  possessions  were 
encompassed  with  destruction,  as  his  companion   had    forewarned 
him-  wherefore  he  began  to  turndown  the  palms  of  his  hands  out  of 
sorrow  and  regret  for  that  which  he  had  expended  thereon :  for  the 
vines  thereof  were  fallen  down  on  their  trails:  and  he  said,  Would  to 
God  that  I  had  not  associated  any  other  deity  with  my  Lord!     And 
he  had  no  party  to  assist  him  besides  God,  neither  was  he  able  to 


AL  KORAN.  161 

defend  himself  against  his  vengeance.  In  such  case  protection  be- 
iongeth  of  right  unto  God  alone ;  he  is  the  best  rewarder,  and  the 
best  giver  of  success.  And  propound  to  them  a  similitude  of  the 
present  life.  It  is  like  water  which  we  send  down  from  heaven;  and 
the  herb  of  the  earth  is  mixed  therewith,  and  after  it  hath  been  green 
and  flourishing,  in  the  morning  it  becometh  dry  stubble,  which  the 
winds  scatter  abroad:  and  God  is  able  to  do  all  things.  Wealth  and 
children  are  the  ornament  of  this  present  life :  but  good  works,  which 
are  permanent,  are  better  in  the  sight  of  thy  Lord,  with  respect  to 
the  reward,  and  better  with  respect  to  hope.  On  a  certain  day  we  will 
cause  the  mountains  to  pass  away,  and  thou  shall  see  the  earth  appear- 
ing plain  and  even;  and  we  will  gather  mankind  together,  and  we 
will  not  leave  any  one  of  them  behind.  And  they  shall  be  set  before 
thy  Lord  in  distinct  order,  and  he  shall  say  unto  them,  Now  are  ye 
come  unto  us  naked,  as  we  created  you  the  first  time:  but  ye  thought 
that  we  should  not  perform  our  promise  unto  you.  And  the  book 
wherein  every  one's  actions  are  recorded  shall  be  put  into  his  hand; 
and  thou  shall  see  the  wicked  in  great  terror,  because  of  that  which 
is  written  therein,  and  they  shall  say,  Alas  for  us!  what  meaneth  this 
book?  it  omitteth  neither  a  small  action  nor  a  great  one,  but  it  com- 
priseth  the  same;  and  they  shall  find  that  which  they  have  wrought, 
present  before  their  eyes:  and  thy  Lord  will  not  deal  unjustly  with 
any  one.  Remember  when  we  said  unto  the  angels,  Worship  ye 
Adam :  and  they  all  worshipped  him,  except  Eblis,  who  was  one  of 
the  genii,  and  departed  from  the  command  of  his  Lord.  Will  ye 
therefore  take  him  and  his  offspring  for  your  patrons  besides  me,  not- 
withstanding they  are  your  enemies?  Miserable  shall  such  a  change 
be  to  the  ungodly)  I  called  not  them  to  be  present  at  the  creation  of 
the  heavens  and  of  the  earth,  nor  at  the  creation  of  themselves, 
neither  did  I  take  those  seducers  for  my  assistants.  On  a  certain  day, 
God  shall  say  unto  the  idolaters,  Call  those  whom  ye  imagined  to  be  my 
companions,  to  protect  you:  and  they  shall  call  them,  but  they  shall 
not  answer  them :  and  we  will  place  a  valley  of  destruction  between 
them :  and  the  wicked  shall  see  hell  fire ;  and  they  shall  know  that 
they  shall  be  thrown  into  the  same,  and  they  shall  find  no  way  to 
avoid  it.  And  now  have  we  variously  propounded  unto  men,  in  this 
Koran,  a  parable  of  every  kind ;  but  man  cavilleth  at  most  things 
therein.  Yet  nothing  hindereth  men  from  believing,  now  a  direction 
is  come  unto  them,  and  from  asking  pardon  of  their  Lord,  excepting 
that  they  wait  until  the  punishment  of  their  predecessors  come  to  be 
inflicted  on  them,  or  that  the  chastisement  of  the  next  life  come  upon 
them  publicly.  We  send  not  our  messengers,  but  to  bear  good 
tidings,  and  to  denounce  threats.  Those  who  believe  not,  dispute 
with  vain  arguments,  that  they  may  thereby  render  the  truth  of  no 
effect:  and  they  hold  my  signs,  and  the  admonitions  which  have 
been  made  them,  in  derision.  And  who  is  more  unjust  than  he  who 
Lath  been  acquainted  with  the  signs  of  his  Lord,  and  retireth  afar 


162  AL  KORAN. 

off  from  the  same,  and  f orgetteth  that  which  his  hands  have  formerly 
committed?  Verily  we  have  cast  veils  over  their  hearts,  lest  they 
should  understand  the  Koran,  and  into  their  ears  thickness  of  hear- 
ing: if  thou  invite  them  to  the  true  direction,  yet  will  they  not 
therefore  be  directed  for  ever.  Thy  Lord  is  gracious,  endued  with 
mercy;  if  he  would  have  punished  them  for  that  which  they  have 
committed,  he  would  doubtless  have  hastened  their  punishment:  but 
a  threat  hath  been  denounced  against  them,  and  they  shall  rind  no 
refuge,  besides  him.  And  those  former  cities  did  we  destroy,  when 
they  acted  unjustly;  and  we  gave  them  previous  warning  of  their 
destruction.  And  remember  when  Moses  said  unto  his  servant 
Joshua,  the  son  of  Nun,  I  will  not  cease  to  go  forward,  until  I  come 
to  the  place  where  the  two  seas  meet;  or  I  will  travel  for  a  long 
space  of  time.  But  when  they  were  arrived  at  the  meeting  of  the 
two  seas,  they  forgot  their  fish  which  they  had  taken  with  them; 
and  the  fish  took  its  way  freely  in  the  sea.  And  when  they  had 
passed  beyond  that  place,  Moses  said  unto  his  servant,  Bring  us  our 
dinner:  for  now  are  we  fatigued  with  this  our  journey.  His  servant 
answered,  Dost  thou  know  what  has  befallen  me?  When  we  took  up 
our  lodging  at  the  rock,  verily  I  forgot  the  fish :  and  none  made  me 
to  forget  it,  except  Satan,  that  I  should  not  remind  thee  of  it.  And 
the  fish  took  its  way  in  the  sea,  in  a  wonderful  manner.  Moses 
said,  This  is  what  we  sought  after.  And  they  both  went  back,  re- 
turning by  the  way  they  came.  And  coming  to  the  rock  they  found 
one  of  our  servants,  unto  whom  we  had  granted  mercy  from  us,  and 
whom  we  had  taught  wisdom  from  before  us.  And  Moses  said  unto 
him,  Shall  I  follow  thee,  that  thou  mayest  teach  me  part  of  that  which 
thou  hast  been  taught,  for  a  direction  unto  me?  He  answered,  Verily 
thou  canst  not  bear  with  me :  for  how  canst  thou  patiently  suffer  those 
things,  the  knowledge  whereof  thou  dost  not  comprehend?  Moses 
replied,  Thou  shalt  find  me  patient,  if  God  please ;  neither  will  I  be 
disobedient  unto  thee  in  anything.  He  said,  If  thou  follow  me  there' 
fore,  ask  me  net  concerning  anything,  until  I  shall  declare  the  mean- 
ing thereof  unto  thee.  So  they  both  went  on  by  the  sea-shore,  until 
they  went  up  into  a  ship;  and  he  made  a  hole  therein.  And  MOSCH 
said  unto  him,  Hast  thou  made  a  hole  therein,  that  thou  mightest 
drown  those  who  are  on  board?  now  hast  thou  done  a  strange  thing. 
He  answered,  Did  I  not  tell  thee  that  thou  couldest  not  bear  with  me? 
Moses  said,  Rebuke  me  not,  because  I  did  forget;  and  impose  not  on 
me  a  difficulty  in  what  I  am  commanded.  Wherefore  they  left  the 
ship  and  proceeded,  until  they  met  with  a  youth;  and  he  slew  him. 
Moses  said,  Hast  thou  slain  an  innocent  person,  without  his  having 
killed  another?  Now  hast  thou  committed  an  unjust  action.  (XVI.) 
He  answered,  Did  I  not  tell  thee  that  thou  couldest  not  bear  with  me? 
Moses  said,  If  I  ask  thee  concerning  anything  hereafter,  suffer  me  not 
to  accompany  thee:  now  hast  thou  received  an  excuse  from  me. 
They  went  forwards  therefore^  until  they  came  to  the  inhabitants  of 


AL  KORAN.  163 

a  certain  city:  and  they  asked  food  of  the  inhabitants  thereof;  but 
they  refused  to  receive  them.  And  they  found  therein  a  wall,  which 
was  ready  to  fall  down;  and  he  set  it  upright.  Whereupon  Moses 
said  unto  him,  If  thou  wouldest  thou  mightest  doubtless  have  received 
a  reward  for  it.  He  answered,  This  shall  be  a  separation  between  me 
and  thee:  but  I  will  first  declare  unto  thee  the  signification  of  that 
which  thou  couldest  not  bear  with  patience.  The  vessel  belonged  to 
certain  poor  men.  who  did  their  business  in  the  sea:  and  1  was  minded 
to  render  it  unserviceable,  because  there  was  a  king  behind  them, 
who  took  every  sound  ship  by  force.  As  to  the  youth,  his  parents 
were  true  believers,  and  we  feared  lest  he,  being  an  unbeliever,  should 
oblige  them  to  suffer  his  perverseuess  and  ingratitude:  wherefore  we 
desired  that  their  Lord  might  give  them  a  more  righteous  child  in  ex- 
change for  him,  and  one  more  affectionate  towards  them.  And  the 
wall  belonged  to  two  orphan  youths  in  the  city,  and  under  it  was  a 
treasure  hidden  which  belonged  to  them,  and  their  father  was  a 
righteous  man:  and  thy  Lord  was  pleased  that  they  should  attain 
their  full  age,  and  take  forth  their  treasure,  through  the  mercy  of  thy 
Lord,  And  I  did  not  what  thou  hast  seen  of  mine  own  will,  but  by 
God's  direction.  This  is  the  interpretation  of  that  which  thou  couldest 
not  bear  with  patience.  The  Jews  will  ask  thee  concerning  Dhu'l- 
karhein.  Answer,  I  will  rehearse  unto  you  an  account  of  him.  We 
made  him  powerful  in  the  earth,  and  we  gave  him  means  to  accom- 
plish everything  he  pleased.  And  he  followed  his  way,  until  he 
came  to  the  place  where  the  sun  sctteth ;  and  he  found  it  to  set  in  a 
spring  of  black  mud,  and  he  found  near  the  same  a  certain  people. 
And  we  said,  O  Dhu'lkarnein,  either  punish  this  people,  or  use 
gentleness  towards  them.  He  answered,  Whosoever  of  them  shall 
commit  injustice,  we  will  surely  punish  him  in  this  world;  after 
wards  shall  he  return  unto  his  Lord,  and  lie  shall  punish  him  with  a 
severe  punishment.  But  whosoever  believeth,  and  doth  that  which  is 
right,  shall  receive  the  most  excellent  reward,  and  we  will  give  him 
in  command  that  which  is  easy.  Then  he  continued  his  way,  until 
he  came  to  the  place  where  the  sun  riseth;  and  he  found  it  to  rise 
on  certain  people,  unto  whom  we  had  not  given  anything  wherewith 
to  shelter  themselves  therefrom.  Thus  it  was;  and  we  compre- 
hended with  our  knowledge  the  forces  which  were  with  him.  And 
he  prosecuted  his  journey  from  south  to  north,  until  he  came  between 
the  two  mountains;  beneath  which  he  found  certain  people,  who 
could  scarce  understand  what  was  said.  And  they  said,  O  Dhu'lkar 
nein,  verily  Gog  and  Magog  waste  the  land;  shall  we  therefore  pay 
the  tribute,  on  condition  that  thou  build  a  rampart  between  us  and 
them  ?  He  answered,  The  power  wherewith  my  Lord  hath 
strengthened  me,  is  better  than  your  tribute:  but  assist  me  strenu- 
ously, and  I  will  set  a  strong  wall  between  you  and  them.  Bring 
me  iron  in  large  pieces,  until  it  fill  up  the  space  between  the  two 
sides  of  these  mountains.  And  he  said  to  the  workmen,  Blow  with 


164  AL  KORAN. 

your  bellows,  until  it  make  the  iron  red  hot  as  fire.  And  he  said 
further,  Bring  me  molten  brass,  that  I  may  pour  upon  it.  Where- 
fore, when  this  wall  was  finished,  Gog  and  Magog  could  not  scale 
it,  neither  could  they  dig  through  it.  And  Dhu'lkarnein  said,  This 
is  a  mercy  from  my  Lord:  but  when  the  prediction  of  my  Lord 
shall  come  to  be  fulfilled,  he  shall  reduce  the  wall  to  dust;  and  the 
prediction  of  my  Lord  is  true.  On  that  day  we  will  suffer  some  of 
them  to  press  tumultuously  like  waves  on  others;  and  the  trumpet 
shall  be  sounded,  and  we  will  gather  them  in  a  body  together.  And 
we  will  set  hell,  on  that  day,  before  the  unbelievers;  whose  eyes  have 
been  veiled  from  my  remembrance,  and  who  could  not  hear  my 
words.  Do  the  unbelievers  think  that  I  will  not  punish  them,  for 
that  they  take  my  servants  for  their  protectors  besides  me?  Verily  we 
have  prepared  hell  for  the  abode  of  the  infidels.  Say,  Shall  we  de- 
clare unto  you  those  whose  works  are  vain,  whose  endeavour  in  the 
present  life  hath  been  wrongly  directed,  and  who  think  they  do  the 
work  which  is  right?  These  are  they  who  believe  not  in  the  signs  of 
their  Lord,  or  that  they  shall  be  assembled  before  him;  wherefore 
their  works  are  vain,  and  he  will  not  allow  them  any  weight  on  the 
day  of  resurrection.  This  shall  be  their  reward,  namely,  hell :  for 
that  they  have  disbelieved,  and  have  held  my  signs  and  my  apostles  in 
derision.  But  as  for  those  who  believe  and  do  good  works,  they  shall 
have  the  gardens  of  paradise  for  their  abode,  they  shall  remain  therein 
for  ever,  they  shall  wish  for  no  change  therein.  Say,  If  the  sea  wen- 
ink  to  write  the  words  of  my  Lord,  verily  the  sea  would  fail,  before 
the  wrords  of  my  Lord  would  fail,  although  we  added  another  sea 
like  unto  it  as  a  further  supply.  Say,  Verily  I  am  only  a  man  as  ye 
are.  It  is  revealed  unto  me  that  your  God  is  one  only  God;  let  him 
therefore  who  hopeth  to  meet  his  Lord,  work  a  righteous  work: 
and  let  him  not  make  any  other  to  partake  in  the  worship  of  his 
Lord- 


JHAPTER  XIX. 

ENTITLED,    MARY,  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

C.  H.  y.  A.  S.  A  commemoration  of  the  mercy  of  thy  Lord  to- 
wards his  servant  Zacharias.  When  he  called  upon  his  Lord,  invok- 
ing him  in  secret,  and  said,  O  Lord,  verily  my  bones  are  weakened, 
and  my  head  is  become  white  with  hoariness,  and  I  have  never  been 
unsuccessful  in  my  prayers  to  thee,  O  Lord.  But  now  I  fear  my 
nephews,  who  are  to  succeed  after  me,  for  my  wife  is  barren,  where- 
fore give  me  a  successor  of  my  own  body  from  before  thee ;  who  may 
be  my  heir,  and  may  be  an  heir  of  the  family  of  Jacob;  and  grant,  O 
Lord,  that  he  may  be  acceptable  unto  thee.  And  the  angel  answered 


AL  KORAN".  165 

him,  0  Zacharias,  verily  we  bring  thee  tidings'of  a  son,  whose  name 
shall  be  John ;  we  have  not  caused  any  to  bear  the  same  name  before 
him.  Zacharias  said,  Lord,  how  shall  I  have  a  son,  seeing  my  wife 
is  barren,  acd  I  am  now  arrived  at  a  great  age,  and  am  decrepit? 
The  angel  said,  So  sharll  it  be:  thy  Lord  saith,  This  is  easy  with  me; 
since  I  created  thee  heretofore,  when  thou  wast  nothing.  Zachariaa 
answered,  O  Lord,  give  me  a  sign.  The  angel  replied,  Thy  sign  shall 
be,  that  thou  shall  not  speak  to  men  for  three  nights,  although  thou 
be  in  perfect  health.  And  he  went  forth  unto  his  people,  from  the 
chamber,  and  he  made  signs  unto  them,  as  if  he  should  say,  Praise 
ye  God  in  the  morning  and  in  the  evening.  And  we  said  unto  his 
son,  O  John,  receive  tlie  book  of  the  law,  with  a  resolution  to  study 
and  observe  it.  And  we  bestowed  on  him  wisdom,  when  he  was  yet 
a  child,  and  mercy  from  us,  and  purity  of  life;  and  he  was  a  devout 
person,  and  dutiful  towards  hi*  parents,  and  was  not  proud  or  re- 
bellious. Peace  be  on  him  the  day  whereon  he  was  born,  and  the 
day  whereon  he  shall  die,  and  the  day  whereon  he  shall  be  raised  to 
life.  And  remember  in  the  book  of  the  Kor&n  the  story  of  Mary ; 
when  she  retired  from  her  family  to  a  place  towards  the  east,  and 
took  a  veil  to  conceal  herself  from  them;  and  we  sent  our  spirit 
Gabriel  unto  her,  and  he  appeared  unto  her  in  the  shape  of  a  perfect 
man.  She  said,  I  fly  for  refuge  unto  the  merciful  God,  that  he  may 
defend  me  from  thee :  if  thou  fearest  him,  thou  wilt  not  approach 
me  He  answered,  Verily  I  am  the  messenger  of  thy  Lord,  and  am 
Bent  to  give  thee  a  holy  son  She  said,  how  shall  I  have  a  son,  see- 
ing a  man  hath  not  touched  me,  and  I  am  no  harlot?  Gabriel  re- 
plied, So  shall  it  be :  thy  Lord  saith,  This  is  easy  with  me ;  and  we 
will  perform  it,  that  we  may  ordain  him  for  a  sign  unto  men,  and  a 
mercy  i'r.iin  us.  for  it  is  a  thing  which  is  decreed.  Wherefore  she 
conceived  him.  and  she  retired  aside  with  him  in  her  womb  to  a  dis- 
tant place,  and  the  pains  of  childbirth  came  upon  her  near  the  trunk 
of  a  palm-tree.  She  said.  Would  to  God  I  had  died  before  this,  and 
!iad  become  a  thing  forgotten,  and  lost  in  oblivion!  And  he  who 
was  beneath  her  called  to  her,  saying,  Be  not  grieved-  now  hath 
GkxJ  provided  a  rivulet  under  thee;  and  do  thou  shake  the  body  of 
•lie  palm-tree,  and  it  shall  let  fall  ripe  dates  upon  thee,  ready 
iratlu.-red.  And  eat,  and  drink,  and  calm  thy  mind.  Moreover  if 
thou  see  any  man,  and  he  question  thee,  say,  Verily  I  have  vowed  a 
fast  unto  the  Merciful ;  wherefore  I  will  by  no  means  speak  to  a  man 
rfiis  day.  So  she  brought  the  child  to  her  people,  carrying  him  in 
her  arms.  And  they  said  unto  her,  O  Mary,  now  hast  thou  done  a 
strange  thing  O  sister  of  Aaron,  thy  father  was  not  a  bad  man,  neither 
was  thy  mother  a  harlot.  But  she  made  signs  unto  the  child  to 
answer  them  and  they  said,  Hew  shall  we  speak  to  him,  who  is  an 
infant  in  the  cradle?  Wherei  pon  the  child  said,  Verily  I  am  the 
servant  of  God,  he  hath  given  me  the  book  of  the  gospel,  and  hath 
appointed  me  a  prophet.  And  he  hath  made  me  blessed,  wheresoever 


166  £TT  KORAN. 

I  shall  be;  and  hath  commanded  me  to  observe  prayer,  and  to  give 
alms,  so  long  as  I  shall  live ;  and  he  hath  made  me  dutiful  towards 
my  mother,  and  hath  not  made  me  proud,  or  unhappy.  And  peace 
be  on  me  the  day  whereon  i  was  born,  and  the  day  whereon  I  shall 
die,  and  the  day  wrhereon  I  shall  be  raised  to  life.  This  was  Jesus, 
the  son  of  Mary;  the  Word  of  truth,  concerning  whom  they  doubt. 
It  is  not  meet  for  God,  that  he  should  have  any  son:  God  forbid! 
When  he  decreeth  a  thing,  he  only  saith  unto  it,  Be;  and  it  is.  And 
verily  God  is  my  Lord,  and  your  Lord :  wherefore  serve  him :  this  is 
tke  right  way.  Yet  the  sectaries  differ  among  themselves  concerning 
Jesus ;  but  woe  be  unto  those  who  are  unbelievers,  because  of  their 
appearance  at  the  great  day.  Do  thou  cause  them  to  hear,  and  do 
thou  cause  them  to  see,  on  the  day  whereon  they  shall  come  unto  ua 
to  be  judged:  but  the  ungodly  are  this  day  in  a  manifest  error.  And 
do  thou  forewarn  them  of  the  day  of  sighing,  when  the  m?tter  shall 
be  determined,  while  they  are  now  sunk  in  negligence  and  do  not 
believe.  Verily  we  will  inherit  the  earth,  and  whatever  creatures  are 
therein;  and  unto  us  shall  they  all  return.  And  remember  Abraham 
in  the  book  of  the  Koran :  for  he  was  one  of  great  veracity,  and  a 
prophet.  When  he  said  unto  his  father,  O  my  father,  why  dost  thou 
worship  that  which  heareth  not,  neither  seeth,  nor  profiteth  thee  at 
all?  O  my  father,  verily  a  degree  of  knowledge  hath  been  bestowed 
on  me,  which  hath  jot  been  bestowed  on  thee:  wherefore  follow  me; 
I  will  lead  thee  into  an  even  way.  O  my  father,  serve  not  Satan;  for 
Satan  was  rebellious  unto  the  Merciful.  O  my  father,  verily  I  fear 
lest  a  punishment  be  inflicted  on  thee  from  the  Merciful,  and  thou  be- 
come a  companion  of  Satan.  His  father  answered,  Dost  thou  reject 
my  gpds,  O  Abraham?  If  thou  forbear  not,  I  will  surely  stone  thee: 
wherefore  leave  me  for  a  long  time.  Abraham  replied,  Peace  be  on 
thee:  I  will  ask  pardon  for  thee  of  my  Lord;  for  he  is  gracious  unto 
me.  And  I  will  separate  myself  from  you,  and  from  the  idols  which 
ye  invoke  besides  God;  and  I  will  call  upon  my  Lord :  it  may  be  that 
1  shall  not  be  unsuccessful  in  calling  on  my  Lord,  as  ye  are  in  calling 
upon  them.  And  when  he  had  separated  himself  from  them,  and 
from  the  idols  which  they  worshipped  besides  God,  we  gave  him 
Isaac  and  Jacob;  and  we  made  each  of  them  a  prophet;  and  we  be- 
stowed on  them,  through  our  mercy,  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  cliil 
dren,  and  wealth;  and  we  caused  them  to  deserve  the.  highest  com- 
mendations. And  remember  Mooes  in  the  book  of  the  Koran;  for 
he  was  sincerely  upright,  and  was  an  apostle  and  a  prophet.  And 
we  called  unto  him  from  the  right  side  of  mount  Sinai,  and 
caused  him  to  draw  near,  and  to  discourse  privately  with  us. 
And  we  gave  him,  through  our  in  rcy,  his  brother  Aaron,  a  proph 
et,  for  his  assistant.  Remember  also  Ismacl  in  the  same  book  for 
he  was  true  to  his  promise;  and  was  an  apostle,  and  a  proph 
et  And  he  commanded  his  family  to  observe  prayer,  and  to  give 
alms,  and  he  was  acceptable  unto  liis  Lord.  And  remember 


AL  KORAN.  167 

Edrls  in  the  same  book;  for  he  was  a  just  person,  and  a  prophet: 
and  we  exalted  him  to  a  high  place.  These  are  they  unto  whom 
God  hath  been  bounteous,  of  the  prophets  of  the  posterity  of  Adam, 
and  of  those  whom  we  carried  in  the  ark  with  Noah;  and  of  the 
posterity  of  Abraham,  and  of  Israel,  and  of  those  whom  we  have 
directed  and  chosen.  When  the  signs  of  the  Merciful  were  read 
unto  them,  they  fell  down,  worshipping,  and  wept:  but  a  succeeding 
generation  have  come  after  them,  who  neglect  prayer,  and  follow 
their  lusts:  and  they  shall  surely  fall  into  evil,  except  him  who  re- 
penteth  and  beheveth,  and  doth  that  which  is  right;  these  shall  enter 
paradise,  and  they  shall  not  in  the  least  be  wronged;  gardens  of  per- 
petual abode  shall  be  their  reward,  which  the  Merciful  hath  promised 
unto  his  servants,  as  an  object  of  faith;  for  his  promise  will  surely 
come  to  be  fulfilled.  Therein  shall  they  hear  no  vain  discourse,  but 
peace;  and  their  provision  shall  be  prepared  lor  them  therein  morning 
and  evening.  This  is  paradise,  which  we  will  give  for  an  inherit^ 
ance  unto  such  of  our  servants  as  shall  lie  pious.  We  descend  not 
from  heaven,  unless  by  the  command  of  thy  Lord  unto  him  belong- 
eth  whatsoever  is  before  us,  and  whatsoever  is  behind  us,  and  what- 
soever is  in  the  intermediate  space;  neither  is  thy  Lord  forgetful  of 
thee.  He  is  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  of  whatsoever  is 
between  them:  wherefore  worship  him,  and  be  constant  m  his  wor- 
ship Dost  thou  know  any  named  like  him?  Man  saith,  After  I 
shall  have  been  dead,  shall  I  really  be  brought  forth  alive  from  the 
grave?  Doth  not  man  remember  that  we  created  him  heretofore, 
when  he  was  nothing?  But  by  thy  Lord  we  will  surely  assemble 
them  and  the  devils  to  judgment;  then  will  we  set  them  round  about 
hell  on  their  knees:  afterwards  we  will  draw  forth  from  every  sect 
such  of  them  as  shall  have  been  a  more  obstinate  rebel  against  the 
Merciful ;  and  we  best  know  which  of  them  are  more  worthy  to  be 
burned  therein  There  shall  be  none  of  you  but  shall  approach  near 
the  same'  this  is  an  established  decree  with  thy  Lord.  Afterwards 
we  will  deliver  those  who  shall  have  been  pious,  but  we  will  leave 
the  ungodly  therein  on  their  knees.  When  our  manifest  signs  are 
read  unto  them,  the  infidels  say  unto  the  true  believers,  Which  oi 
the  two  parties  is  in  the  more  eligible  condition,  and  formeth  the 
more  excellent  assembly?  But  how  many  generations  have  we  do 
stroyed  before  them,  which  excelled  them  in  wealth,  and  in  outward 
appearance?  Say,  Whesoeyer  is  in  error,  the  Merciful  will  grant 
liim  a  long  and  prosperous  life;  until  they  see  that  with  which  they 
are  threatened,  whether  it  be  the  punishment  of  this  life,  or  that  of 
the  last  hour,  and  hereafter  they  shall  know  who  is  in  the  worse  con- 
dition, and  the  weaker  in  forces.  God  shall  more  fully  direct  those 
who  receive  direction ;  and  the  good  works  which  remain  for  ever, 
are  better  in  the  sight  of  thy  Lord  than  worldly  possessions,  in 
respect  to  the  reward,  and  more  eligible  in  respect  to  the  future  rec- 
ompense. Hast  thou  seen  him  who  believeth  not  in  our  signs  and 


168  AL  KORAN. 

faith,  I  shall  surely  have  riches  and  children  bestowed  on  me?  Is  he 
acquainted  with  the  secrets  of  futurity;  or  hath  he  received  a  cove- 
nant from  the  Merciful  that  it  shall  be  so?  By  no  means.  We  will 
surely  write  down  that  which  he  saith;  and  increasing  we  will  increase 
his  punishment :  and  we  will  be  his  heir  as  to  that  which  he  speaketh 
of ,  and  on  the  last  day  he  shall  appear  before  us  alone  and  naked. 
They  have  taken  other  gods,  besides  God,  that  they  may  be  a  glory  unto 
them.  By  no  means.  Hereafter  shall  they  deny  their  worship ;  and 
they  shall  become  adversaries  unto  them.  Dost  thou  not  see  that  we 
send  the  devils  against  the  infidels,  to  incite  them  to  sin  by  their  in- 
stigations? Wherefore  be  not  in  haste  to  call  down  destruction  upon 
them;  for  we  number  unto  them  a  determined  number  of  days  of 
respite.  On  a  certain  day  we  will  assemble  the  pious  before  the  Merci- 
ful in  an  honourable  manner,  as  ambassadors  come  into  the  presence 
of  a  prince;  but  we  will  drive  the  wicked  into  hell,  as  cattle  are 
driven  to  water  they  shall  obtain  no  intercession,  except  he  only 
who  hath  received  a  covenant  from  the  Merciful.  They  say,  The 
Merciful  hath  begotten  issue.  Now  have  ye  uttered  an  impious 
tiling-  it  wanteth  little  but  that  on  occasion  thereof  the  heavens  be 
rent,  and  the  earth  cleave  in  sunder,  and  the  mountains  be  overthrown 
and  fall,  for  that  they  attribute  children  unto  the  Merciful;  whereas 
it  becometh  not  God  to  beget  children.  Verily  there  is  none  in 
heaven  or  on  earth,  but  shall  approach  the  Merciful  as  his  servant. 
He  encompasseth  them  by  his  knowledge  and  power,  and  numbereth 
them  with  an  exact  computation-  and  they  shall  all  come  unto  him 
on  the  day  of  resurrection,  destitute  both  of  helpers  and  followers. 
But  as  for  those  wrho  believe  and  do  good  works,  the  Merciful  will 
bestow  on  them  love.  Verily  we  have  rendered  the  Koran  easy  for 
thy  tongue,  that  thou  mayest  thereby  declare  our  promises  unto  the 
pious,  and  mayest  thereby  denounce  threats  unto  contentious  people. 
And  how  many  generations  have  we  destroyed  before  them?  Dost 
thou  find  one  of  them  remaining?  Oi  dost  thou  hear  so  much  as  a 
whisper  concerning  them? 


CHAPTER  XX. 

JfiN  TITLED.   T.  H.  ;   REVEALED  AT   MECCA. 

TN  THE   NAME   OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFfL  GOD. 

T  H.  "We  have  not  sent  down  the  Koran  unto  thee,  that  thou 
shouldest  be  unhappy;  but  for  an  admonition  unto  him  who  fearetk 
God  being  sent  down  from  him  who  created  the  earth,  and  the  lofty 
heavens.  The  Merciful  sitteth  on  his  throne  •  unto  him  belongeth 
whatsoever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  and  whatsoever  is  between 
them,  and  whatsoever  is  under  the  earth.  If  thou  pronounce  thy 
prayers  with  a  ioud  voice,  know  that  it  is  not  necessary  in  respect  to 
God ;  for  he  knoweth  that  which  is  secret,  and  what  is  yet  more 
hidden.  God!  there  is  no  god  but  he  he  hath  most  excellent  names. 
Ha<t  thou  been  informed  of  the  history  of  Moses?  When  he  saw 
tire,  and  said  unto  his  family,  Tarry  ye  here,  for  I  perceive  fire:  per- 
adventure  I  may  bring  you  a  brand  thereout,  or  may  find  a  direction, 
in  our  way  by  the  fire.  And  when  he  was  come  near  into  it,  a  voice 
called  unto  him,  saying,  O  Moses!  verily  I  am  thy  Lord,  wherefore 
put  off  thy  shoes ;  for  thou  art  in  the  sacred  valley  Towa.  And  I 
have  chosen  thee;  therefore  harkeu  with  attention  unto  that  which  is 
revealed  unto  thee.  Veriiy  I  am  God;  there  is  no  god  beside  me: 
wherefore  worship  me,  and  perform  thy  prayer  in  remembrance  of 
me.  Verily  the  hour  cometh:  I  will  surely  manifest  the  same,  that 
every  soul  may  receive  its  reward  for  that  which  it  hath  deliberately 
done.  Let  not  him  who  believeth  not  therein,  and  who  followeth  his 
lust,  prevent  thee  from  believing  in  the  same,  lest  thou  perish.  Now 
what  is  that  in  thy  right  hand,  O  Moses?  He  answered,  It  is  my  rod 
whereon  I  lean,  and  with  which  I  beat  down  leaves  for  my  flock;  and 
I  have  other  uses  for  it.  God  said  unto  him,  Cast  it  down,  O  Moses, 
and  ne  cast  it  down,  and  behold,  it  became  a  serpent,  which  ran 
Rboul.  God  said,  Take  hold  on  it,  and  fear  not:  we  will  reduce  it  to 
its  former  condition.  And  put  thy  right  hand  under  thy  left  arm :  it 
shall  come  forth  white,  without  any  hurt.  This  shall  be  another 
sign :  that  we  may  show  thee  some  of  our  greatest  signs.  Go  unto 
Pharaoh:  for  he  is  exceedingly  impious.  Moses  answered,  Lord,  en- 
large my  breast,  and  make  what  thou  hast  commanded  me  easy  unto 
me .  and  loose  the  knot  of  my  tongue,  that  they  may  understand  my 
speech.  And  give  me  a  counsellor  of  my  family,  namely,  Aaron  my 
brother.  Gird  up  my  loins  by  him,  and  make  him  my  colleague  in 
the  business:  that  we  may  praise  thee  greatly,  and  may  remernbei 
thee  often ;  for  thou  regardest  us.  God  replied,  Now  hast  thou  ob 
tained  thy  request,  O  Moses .  and  we  have  heretofore  been  gracious 


570  AL  KORAX. 

unto  thee,  another  time;  when  we  revealed  unto  thy  mother  that 
which  was  revealed  unto  her,  saying,  Put  him  into  the  ark.  and  cast 
him  into  the  river,  and  the  river  shall  throw  him  on  the  shore;  and 
my  enemy  and  his  enemy  shall  take  him  and  bring  him  up :  and  I 
bestowed  on  thee  love  from  me,  that  thou  mightest  be  bred  up  under  my 
eye.  When  thy  sister  went  and  said.  Shall  I  bring  you  unto  one  who 
will  nurse  the  child?  So  we  returned  thee  unto  thy  mother,  that  her 
mind  might  be  set  at  ease,  and  that  she  might  not  be  afflicted.  And 
thou  slewest  a  soul,  and  we  delivered  thee  from  trouble;  and  we 
proved  thee  by  several  trials:  and  afterwards  thou  didst  dwell  some 
years  among  the  inhabitants  of  Madian.  Then  thou  earnest  hither 
according  to  our  decree,  O  Moses;  and  I  have  chosen  thee  for  myself: 
wherefore  go  thou  and  thy  brother  with  my  signs;  and  be  not  negli- 
gent in  remembering  me.  Go  ye  unto  Pharaoh,  for  he  is  excessively 
impious:  and  speak  mildly  unto  him;  peradventure  he  will  consider, 
or  will  fear  our  threats.  They  answered,  O  Lord,  verily  we  fear  lest 
he  be  precipitately  violent  against  us,  or  lest  he  transgress  more  exor- 
bitantly. God  replied,  Fear  not;  for  I  am  with  you:  I  will  hear  and 
will  see.  Go  ye  therefore  unto  him,  and  say,  Verily  we  are  the  mes- 
sengers of  thy  Lord:  wherefore  send  the  children  of  Israel  with  us, 
and  do  not  afflict  them.  Now  are  we  come  unto  thee  with  a  sign 
from  thy  Lord :  and  peace  be  upon  him  who  shall  follow  the  true 
direction.  Verily  it  hath  been  revealed  unto  us  that  a  punishment 
shall  be  inflicted  on  him  who  shall  charge  us  with  imposture,  and 
shall  turn  back.  And  when  they  had  delivered  their  message,  Pha 
raoh  said,  Who  is  your  Lord,  O  Moses?  He  answered,  Our  Lord  is 
he  who  giveth  all  things:  he  hath  created  them,  and  directeth  them 
by  his  providence.  Pharaoh  said,  What  therefore  is  the  condition  of 
the  former  generations?  Moses  answered,  The  knowledge  thereof  is 
with  my  Lord,  in  the  book  of  his  decrees:  my  Lord  erreth  not,  neither 
doth  he  forget.  It  is  he  who  hath  spread  the  earth  as  a  bed  for  you, 
and  hath  made  you  paths  therein ;  and  who  sendeth  down  rain  from 
heaven,  whereby  we  cause  various  kinds  of  vegetables  to  spring  forth ; 
saying,  Eat  of  part,  and  feed  j'our  cattle  with  other  part  thereof. 
Verily  herein  are  signs  unto  those  who  are  indued  with  understanding. 
Out  of  the  ground  have  we  created  you;  and  to  the  same  will  we 
cause  you  to  return,  and  we  will  bring  you  forth  from  thence  another 
time.  And  we  showed  Pharaoh  all  our  signs  which  we  had  em- 
powered Moses  to  perform:  but  he  accused  him  of  imposture,  and 
refused  to  believe;  and  he  said,  Art  thou  come  unto  us  that  thou 
mayest  dispossess  us  of  our  land  by  thy  enchantments,  O  Moses? 
Verily  we  will  meet  thee  with  the  like  enchantments:  wherefore  fix 
an  appointment  between  us  and  thee;  we  will  not  fail  it,  neither  shalt 
thou'  in  an  equal  place.  Moses  answered,  Let  your  appointment  be 
on  the  day  of  your  solemn  feast-  and  let  the  people  be  assembled  in 
open  day.  And  Pharaoh  turned  away  from  Moses,  and  gathered 
together  the  most  expert  magicians,  to  execute  his  stratagem;  and 


AL  KORAN.  IV, 

then  came  to  the  appointment.  Moses  said  unto  them.  "Woe  be  uutn 
you!  do  not  devise  a  lie  against  God,  lest  he  utterly  destroy  you  ty 
some  judgment:  for  he  shall  not  prosper  who  deviseth  lies.  And  me 
magicians  disputed  concerning  their  affair  among  themselves,  and 
discoursed  in  private-  and  they  said,  These  two  are  certainly  ma 
gicians:  they  seek  to  dispossess  you  of  your  land  by  their  sorcery, 
and  to  lead  away  with  them  your  chiefest  and  most  considerable 
men.  Wherefore  collect  all  your  cunning,  and  then  come  m  order, 
for  he  shall  prosper  this  day,  who  shall  be  superior.  They  said, 
O  Moses,  whether  wilt  thou  cast  down  thy  rod  first,  or  shall  we  be 
the  first  who  cast  down  our  rods?  He  answered.  Do  ye  cast  iovrn 
your  rods  first.  And  behold,  their  cords  and  their  rods  appeared 
unto  him,  by  their  enchantment,  to  run  about  like  serpents:  where- 
fore Moses  conceived  fear  in  his  heart  But  we  said  unto  him, 
Fear  not;  for  thou  shalt  be  superior:  therefore  cast  down  the  rod 
which  is  In  thy  right  hand;  and  it  shall  swallow  up  the  seeming 
serpents  which  they  have  made :  for  what  they  have  made  is  only 
the  deceit  of  an  enchanter;  and  an  enchanter  shall  not  prosper, 
whithersoever  he  comcth.  And  the  magicians,  when  they  saw  the 
miracle  which  Moses  performed,  fell  down  and  worshipped,  saying, 
We  believe  in  the  Lord  of  Aaron  and  of  Moses.  Pharaoh  said 
unto  them,  Do  ye  believe  in  him  before  I  give  you  permission? 
Verily  this  is  your  master,  who  hath  taught  you  magic.  But  I  will 
smvly  cut  off  your  hands  and  your  feet  on  the  opposite  sides-  and  I 
will  crucify  you  on  trunks  of  palm-trees:  and  ye  shall  know  which 
of  us  is  more  severe  in  punishing,  and  can  longer  protract  your 
pains.  They  answered,  We  will  by  no  means  have  greater  regard 
unto  thee,  than  uato  those  evident  miracles  which  have  been  shown 
us,  or  than  unto  him  Avho  hath  created  us.  Pronounce  therefore  that 
sentence  against  us  which  thou  art  about  to  pronounce;  forthou canst 
only  give  sentence  as  to  this  present  life.  Verily  we  believe  in  our 
Lord,  that  he  may  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  the  sorcery  which  thou 
hast  forced  us  to  exercise :  for  God  is  better  to  reward,  and  more  able 
to  prolong  punishment  than  thou.  Verily  whosoever  shall  appear  be- 
fore his  Lord  on  the  day  of  judgment,  polluted  with  crimes,  shall 
have  hell  for  his  reward ,  he  shall  not  die  therein,  neither  shall  he 
live.  But  whoever  shall  appear  before  him,  having  been  a  true  be* 
liever,  and  shall  have  worked  righteousness,  for  these  are  prepared 
the  highest  degrees  of  happiness;  namely,  gardens  of  perpetual  abode, 
which  shall  be  watered  by  rivers;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever: 
and  this  shall  be  the  reward  of  him  who  shall  be  pure.  And  we  spake 

g  revelation  unto  Moses,  saying,  Go  forth  with  my  servants  out  of 
jypt  by  night;  and  smite  the  waters  with  the  rod,  and  make  them 
a  ary  path  through  the  sea :  be  not  apprehensive  of  Pharaoh's  over- 
taking thee ;  neither  be  thou  afraid.  And  when  Moses  had  done  so, 
Pharaoh  followed  them  with  his  forces ;  and  the  waters  of  the  sea 
which  overwhelmed  them,  overwhelmed  them.  And  Pharaoh  caused 


179  AL  KORAN. 

his  people  to  en,  neither  did  he  direct  them  aright.  Thus,  0  chil- 
dren of  Israel,  we  delivered  you  from  your  enemy;  and  we  appointed 
you  the  right  side  of  mount  Sinai  to  discourse  with  Moses  and  to  give 
Jiim  the  law;  and  we  caused  manna  and  quails  to  descend  upon  you; 
saying,  Eat  of  the  good  things  which  we  have  given  you  for  food; 
and  transgress  not  therein,  lest  my  indignation  fall  on  you:  and  on 
whomsoever  my  indignation  shall  fall,  he  shall  go  down  headlong 
into  perdition.  But  I  will  be  gracious  unto  him  who  shall  repent 
and  believe,  and  shall  do  that  which  is  right;  anu  who  shall  be  rightly 
directed.  What  hath  caused  thee  to  hasten  from  thy  people,  <> 
Moses,  to  receive  the  law?  He  answered,  These  follow 'close  on  my 
footsteps,  but  I  have  hastened  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  tnat  thou  might  e>t 
be  well  pleased  with  me  God  said,  We  have  already  made  a  trial 
of  thy  people,  since  thy  departure;  and  al  Sameri  hath  seduced  them 
to  idolatry.  Wherefore  Moses  returned  unto  his  people  in  great 
wTrath,  and  exceedingly  afflicted.  And  he  said,  O  my  people,  had 
not  your  Lord  promised  you  a  most  excellent  promise?  Did  the  time 
of  my  absence  seem  long  unto  you?  Or  did  ye  desire  that  indigna- 
tion from  your  Lord  should  fall  on  you,  and  'therefore  fail  to  keep 
the  promise  which  ye  made  me?  They  answered,  We  have  not  failed 
in  what  we  promised  thee  of  our  own  authority:  but  we  were  made 
to  carry  in  several  loads  of  gold  and  silver,  of  the  ornaments  of  the 
people,  and  we  cast  them  into  the  lire;  and  in  like  manner  al  Sameri 
also  cast  in  what  he  had  collected,  and  he  produced  unto  them  a  cor- 
poreal calf,  which  lowed.  And  al  Sameri  and  his  companions  said, 
This  is  your  god,  and  the  god  of  Moses;  but  he  hath  forgotten  him, 
and  is  gone  to  seek  some  other.  Did  they  not  therefore  see  that  their 
idol  returned  them  no  answer,  and  was  not  able  to  cause  them  either 
hurt  or  profit?  And  Aaron  had  said  unto  them  before,  O  my  people, 
verily  ye  are  only  proved  by  this  calf;  fervour  Lord  is  the  Merciful: 
therefore  follow  me,  and  obey  my  command.  They  answered,  We 
will  by  no  means  cease  to  be  devoted  to  its  worship,  until  Moses  re- 
turn unto  us.  And  when  Moses  was  returned,  he  said,  O  Aaron, 
what  hindered  thee,  when  thou  sawest  that  they  went  astray,  that 
thou  didst  not  follow  me?  Hast  thou  therefore  been  disobedient  to 
my  command?  Aaron  answered,  O  son  of  my  mother,  drag  me  not  by 
my  beard,  nor  by  the  hair  of  my  head.  Verily  I  feared  lest  thou  shoul  d- 
est  say,  Thou  hast  made  a  division  among  the  children  of  Israel,  and 
thou  hast  not  observed  my  saying.  Moses  said  unto  al  Sameri,  What  was 
thy  design,  O  Sameri?  He  answered,  I  saw  that  which  they  saw  not; 
wherefore  I  took  a  handful  of  dust  from  the  footsteps  of  the  messenger 
of  God.  and  I  cast  it  into  the  moiten  calf;  for  so  did  my  mind  direct 
me.  Moses  said,  Get  thee  gone;  for  thy  punishment  in  this  life  shall 
be,  that  thou  shalt  say  unto  those  who  shall  meet  thee,  Touch  me  not; 
and  a  threat  is  denounced  against  thee  of  more  terrible  pains,  in  the 
life  to  come,  which  thou  shall  by  no  means  escape.  And  behold  now 
thy  god,  to  whose  worship  thou  hast  continued  assiduously  devotech 


AL  KORAN.  -  173 

verily  we  will  burn  i\;  and  we  will  reduce  it  to  powder,  and  scatter 
it  in  "the  sea.  You/ God  is  the  true  God,  besides  whom  there  is  no 
other  god :  he  compTt'hendeth  all  things  by  his  knowledge.  Thus  do 
we  recite  i"uto  thee,  O  Mohammed,  relations  of  what  hath  passed 
heretofore;  and  we  Lave  given  theeau  admonition  from  us.  He  who 
shall  turn  aside  from  it,  shall  surely  carry  a  load  of  guilt  on  the 
day  of  re^unvotion:  they  shall  continue  thereunder  for  ever;  and  a 
grievous  burthen  shall  it  be  unto  them  on  the  day  of  resurrection; 
On  that  day  tlit  trumpet  shall  be  sounded;  and  we  will  gather  the 
wicked  together  on  that  day.  having  grey  eyes.  They  shall  speak 
witli  a  low-  voice  to  one  another,  saying,  Ye  have  not  tarried  above 
ten  days.  We  well  know  what  they  will  say;  when  the  most  con- 
spicuous among  them  for  behaviour  shall  say.  Ye  have  not  tarried 
above  one  day."  Thfty  will  ask  thee  concerning  the  mountains:  An- 
swer, My  Lord  will  reduce  them  to  dust,  and  scatter  them  abroad; 
and  lie  will  leave  them  a  plain  equally  extended:  thou  shall  see  no 
part  of  them  higher  or  lower  than  another.  On  that  day  mankind 
shall  follow  the  angel  who  will  call  them  to  judgment,  none  shall 
have  power  to  turn  aside  from  him;  and  their  voices  shall  be  low 
before  the  Merciful,  nei.'her  shall  thou  hear  any  more  than  the  hollow 
sound  of  their  feet.  Ou  that  day  the  intercession  of  none  shall  be  of 
advantage  unto  another,  except  the  intercession  of  him  to  whom  the 
Merciful  shall  grant  permission,  and  who  shall  be  acceptable  unto 
him  in  what  he  saith.  God  knoweth  that  which  is  before  Ihem,  and 
that  which  is  behind  them  ;  but  they  comprehend  not  the  same  by 
their  knowledge:  and  Iht.-ir  faces  shall  be  humbled  before  Ihe  living, 
the  self-subsisting  God:  ;uid  he  shall  be  wretched  who  shall  bear  his 
iniquity.  But  whosoever  shall  do  good  works,  being  a  true  believer, 
shall  not  fear  any  injustice,  or  any  diminution  of  his  reward  from 
God.  And  thus  have  wi-  sent  down  this  book,  being  a  Kontn  in  the 
Arabic  tongue;  and  we  have  inserted  various  threats  and  promises 
therein,  that  men  may  fear  God,  or  that  it  may  awaken  some  con- 
sideration in  them :  wherefore  let  God  be  highly  exalted,  the  King, 
the  Truth!  Be  not  overhasty  in  receiving  or  repeating  the  Koran, 
before  the  revelation  thereof  be  completed  unto  thee;  and  say, 
Lord,  increase  my  knowledge.  We  heretofore  gave  a  command 
unto  Adam:  but  he  forgot  the  same,  and  eat  of  the  forbidden  fruil; 
and  we  found  not  in  him  a  firm  resolution.  And  remember  when 
we  said  unto  the  angels,  Worship  ye  Adam;  and  they  worshipped 
him:  but  Eblis  refused.  And  we  said,  O  Adam,  verily  this  is  an 
enemy  unto  thee,  and  thy  wife:  wherefore  beware  lest  he  turn  you 
out  o'f  paradise;  for  then  shall  thou  be  miserable,  Verily  we  have 
made  a  provision  for  thee,  that  thou  shall  nol  hunger  therein,  neither 
shall  thou  be  naked:  and  there  is  also  a  provision  made  for  thee, 
that  thou  shall  not  thirst  therein,  neither  shall  thou  be  incommoded 
by  heat.  But  Satan  whispered  evil  suggestions  unlo  him,  saying.  O 
Adam,  shall  I  guide  Ihee  to  the  tree  of  eternity,  and  a  kingdom  which 


174  AL 

faileth  not?  And  they  both  ate  thereof :  and  their  nakedness  appeared 
unto  them;  and  they  began  to  sew  together  the  leaves  of  paradise, 
to  cover  themselves.  And  thus  Adam  became  disobedient  unto 
his  Lord,  and  was  seduced.  Afterwards  his  Lord  accepted  him, 
on  his  repentance,  and  was  turned  unto  him,  and  directed  him. 
And  God  said,  Get  ye  down  hence,  all  of  you:  the  one  of  you 
shall  be  an  enemy  unto  the  other.  But  hereafter  shall  a  direction 
come  unto  you  from  me  ;  and  whosoever  shall  follow  my  direc- 
tion, shall  not  err,  neither  shall  he  be  unhappy;  but  whosoever  shall 
turn  aside  from  my  admonition,  verily  he  shall  lead  a  miserable 
life,  and  we  will  cause  him  to  appear  before  us  on  the  day  of  resur- 
rection, blind.  And  he  shall  say,  O  Lord,  why  hast  thou  brought 
me  before  thee  blind,  whereas  before  I  saw  clearly?  God  shall 
answer,  Thus  have  we  done,  because  our  signs  came  unto  thee,  and 
thou  didst  forget  them ;  and  in  the  same  manner  shalt  thou  be  for- 
gotten this  day.  And  thus  will  we  reward  him  who  shall  be  negli- 
gent, and  shall  not  believe  in  the  signs  of  his  Lord :  and  the  punish- 
ment of  the  life  to  come  shall  be  more  severe,  and  more  lasting,  than 
the  punishment  of  this  life.  Are  not  the  Meccans  therefore  acquainted 
how  many  generations  we  have  destroyed  before  them;  in  whose 
dwellings  they  walk?  Verily  herein  are  signs  unto  those  who  are 
endued  with  understanding.  And  unless  a  decree  had  previously 
gone  forth  from  thy  Lord  for  their  respite,  verily  their  destruction 
had  necessarily  followed:  but  there  is  a  certain  time  determined  by 
God  for  their  punishment.  Wherefore  do  thou,  O  Mohammed,  pa- 
tiently bear  that  which  they  say;  and  celebrate  the  praise  of  thy  Lord 
before  the  rising  of  the  sun,  and  before  the  setting  thereof,  and  praise 
him  in  the  hours  of  the  night,  and  in  the  extremities  of  the  day,  that 
thou  mayest  be  well-pleased  with  the  prospect  of  receiving  favour 
from  God.  And  cast  not  thine  eyes  on  that  which  we  have  granted 
divers  of  the  unbelievers  to  enjoy,  namely,  the  splendour  of  this 
present  life,  that  we  may  prove  them  thereby:  for  the  provision  of 
thy  Lord  is  better,  and  more  permanent.  Command  thy  family  to 
observe  prayer;  and  do  thou  persevere  therein.  We  require  not  of 
.thee  that  thou  labour  to  gain  necessary  provisions  for  thyself  and 
family:  we  will  provide  for  thee;  for  the  prosperous  issue  shall  at- 
itend  on  piety.  The  unbelievers  say,  Unless  he  come  unto  us  with  a 
sign  from  his  Lord,  we  will  not  believe  on  him.  Hath  not  a  plain 
declaration  come  unto  them,  of  that  which  is  contained  in  the  former 
volumes  of  scripture,  by  the  revelation  of  the  Koran?  If  we  had  de- 
stroyed them  by  a  judgment  before  the  same  had  been  revealed,  they 
would  have  said,  at  the  resurrection,  O  Lord,  how  could  we  believe 
since  thou  didst  not  send  unto  us  an  apostle,  that  we  might  follow 
thy  signs,  before  we  were  humbled  and  covered  with  shame?  Say, 
Each  of  us  wait  the  issue:  wait  therefore ;  for  ye  shall  surely  know 
hereafter  who  have  been  the  followers  of  the  even  way,  and  who 
have  been  rightly  directed. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

ENTITLED,   THE  PROPIIETS;  REVEALED  AT  MECC4. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

(XVII.)  THE  time  of  giving  up  their  account  draweth  nigh  unta 
the  people  of  Mecca;  while  they  are  sunk  in  negligence,  turning  aside 
from  the  consideration  thereof.  No  admonition  cometh  unto  them 
from  their  lord,  being  lately  revealed  in  the  Koran,  but  when  they 
hear  it.  they  turn  it  to  sport:  *heir  hearts  are  taken  up  with  delights. 
And  they  who  act  unjustly  discourse  privately  together,  saying,  Ig 
this  Mohammed  any  more  than  a  man  like  yourselves?  Will  ye 
therefore  come  to  hear  a  piece  of  sorcery,  when  ye  plainly  perceive 
it  to  be  so?  Say,  My  Lord  knoweth  whatever  is  spoken  in  heaven 
and  on  earth :  it  is  lie  who  heareth  and  knoweth  But  they  say,  The 
Koran  is  a  confused  heap  of  dreams:  nay,  he  hath  forged  it;  nay,  he 
is  a  poet:  let  him  come  onto  us  therefore  with  some  miracle,  in  like 
manner  as  the  former  prophets  were  sent.  None  of  the  cities  which 
wo  have  destroyed,  believed  the  miracles  which  they  saw  performed, 
before  them:  will  these  therefore  believe,  if  they  see  a  miracle?  We 
sent  none  as  our  apostles  before  thee,  other  than  men,  unto  whom  we 
revealed  our  will.  Ask  those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  scripture,  if 
ye  know  not  this.  We  gave  them  not  a  body  which  couM  be  supported 
without  their  eating  food ;  neither  were  they  immortal.  But  we  made 
good  our  promise  unto  them-  wherefore  we  delivered  them,  and 
those  whom  *ve  pleased;  but  we  destroyed  the  exorbitant  trans- 
gressors. Now  have  we  sent  down  unto  you,  O  Koreish,  the  book  of 
the  Koran;  wherein  there  is  honourable  mention  of  you.  will  ye  not 
therefore  understand?  And  how  many  cities  have  we  overthrown, 
which  were  ungodly;  and  caused  other  nations  to  rise  up  after 
them?  And  when  they  felt  our  severe  vengeance,  behold,  they 
fled  swiftly  from  those  cities.  And  the  angels  said,  scofiingly, 
unto  them,  Do  not  fly;  but  return  to  that  wherein  ye  delighted, 
and  to  your  habitations  peradventure  ye  will  be  asked.  They  an- 
swered, Alas  for  us!  verily  we  have  been  unjust.  And  this  their 
lamentation  ceased  not,  until  we  had  rendered  them  like  corn 
which  is  mowed  down,  and  utterly  extinct.  We  created  not  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  that  which  is  between  them  by  way  of 
sport.  If  we  had  pleased  to  take  diversion,  verily  we  had  taken  it 
with  that  which  beseemeth  us;  if  we  had  resolved  to  have  done  this. 
But  we  will  oppose  truth  to  vanity,  and  it  shall  confound  the  same; 
and  behold,  it  shall  vanish  away.  Woe  be  unto  you,  for  that  which 
ye  impiously  utter  concerning  God !  since  whoever  is  in  heaven  and 


176  AL  KORAN. 

on  earth  is  subject  unto  him;  and  the  angels  who  are  in  his  presence 
do  not  insolently  disdain  his  service,  neither  are  they  tired  therewith. 
They  praise  him  night  and  day:  they  faint  not.  Have  they  taken 
gods  from  the  earth?  Shall  they  raise  the  dead  to  life?  If  there 
were  either  in  heaven  or  on  earth  gods  besides  God,  verily  both  would 
be  corrupted.  But  far  be  that  which  they  utter,  from  God,  the  Lord 
of  the  throne!  No  account  shall  be  demanded  of  him  for  what  he 
shall  do;  but  an  account  shall  be  demanded  of  them.  Have  they 
taken  other  gods  besides  him?  Say,  Produce  your  proof  thereof. 
This  is  the  admonition  of  those  who  are  contemporary  with  me,  and 
the  admonition  of  those  who  have  been  before  me:  but  the  greater 
part  of  them  know  not  the  truth,  and  turn  aside  from  the  same.  We 
have  sent  no  apostle  before  thee,  but  we  revealed  unto  him  that  there 
is  no  god  besides  myself,  wherefore  serve  me.  They  say,  The 
Merciful  hath  begotten  issue;  and  the  angels  are  his  daughters. 
God  forbid!  They  are  his  honoured  servants:  they  prevent  him 
not  in  anything  which  they  say;  and  they  execute  his  command. 
He  knoweth  that  which  is  before  them,  and  that  which  is  behind 
them:  they  shall  not  intercede  for  any,  except  for  whom  it  shall 
please  him;  and  they  tremble  for  fear  of  him.  Whoever  of  them  shall 
say,  I  am  a  god  besides  him;  that  angel  will  we  reward  with  hell;  for 
so  will  we  reward  the  unjust.  Do  not  the  unbelievers  therefore  know, 
that  the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  solid,  and  we  clave  the  same  in 
sunder:  and  made  every  living  thing  of  water?  Will  they  not  there- 
fore believe?  And  we  placed  stable  mountains  on  the  earth,  lest  it 
should  move  with  them;  and  we  made  broad  passages  between  them 
for  paths,  that  they  might  be  directed  in  their  journeys,  and  we  made 
the  heaven  a  roof  well  supported.  Yet  they  turn  aside  from  the  signs 
thereof,  not  considering  that  they  are  the  workmanship  of  God.  It  is 
he  who  hath  created  the  night,  and  the  day,  and  the  sun,  and  the 
moon;  all  the  celestial  bodies  move  swiftly,  each  in  its  respective  orb. 
We  have  not  granted  unto  any  man  before  thee,  eternal  permanency 
in  this  world,  if  thou  die  therefore,  will  they  lie  immortal?  Every 
soul  shall  taste  of  death-  and  we  will  prove  you  with  evil,  and  with 
good,  for  a  trial  of  you;  and  unto  us  shall  ye  return.  When  the  un- 
believers see  thee,  they  receive  thee  only  with  scoffing,  saying,  Is 
this  he  who  mentioneth  your  gods  with  contempt?  Yet  themselves 
believe  not  what  is  mentioned  to  them  of  the  Merciful.  Man  is 
created  of  precipitation.  Hereafter  will  I  show1  you  my  signs  so 
that  ye  shall  not  wish  them  to  be  hastened.  They  say,  When  will 
this  threat  be  accomplished,  if  ye  speak  truth?  If  they  who  believe 
not,  knew  that  the  time  will  surely  come,  when  they  shall  not  be  able 
to  drive  back  the  fire  of  hell  from  their  faces,  nor  from  their  l>arks. 
neither  shall  they  be  helped,  they  would  not  hasten  it.  But  Hie  day 
of  vengeance  shall  come  upon  them  suddenly,  and  shall  strike  them 
with  astonishment:  they  shall  not  be  able  to  avert  it;  neither  shall 
Uiey  be  respited.  Other  ajx>stles  have  been  mocked  before  thee , 


AL  KORAX.  171 

but  the  punishment  -which  they  scoffed  at,  fell  upon  such  of  them  as 
mocked.  Say  unto  the  scoffers,  Who  shall  save  you  by  night  and  by 
their  Lord.  Have  they  gods  who  will  defend  them,  besides  us? 
They  are  not  able  to  help  themselves;  neither  shall  they  be  assisted 
against  us  by  their  companions.  But  we  have  permitted  these  men 
and  their  fathers  to  enjoy  worldly  prosperity,  so  long  as  life  was  con- 
tinued unto  them.  Do  thev  not  perceive  that  we  come  unto  the  land 
of  the  unbelievers,  and  straiten  the  borders  thereof?  Shall  they  there- 
fore be  the  conquerors?  Say,  I  only  preach  unto  you  the  revelation 
of  God:  but  the  deaf  will  not  hear  thy  call,  whenever  they  are 
preached  unto.  Yet  if  the  least  breath  of  the  punishment  of  thy 
Lord  touch  them,  they  will  surely  say,  Alas  for  us!  verily  we  have 
been  unjust.  We  will  appoint  just  balances  for  the  day  of  resurrec 
tion;  neither  shall  any  soul  be  injured  at  all:  although  the  merit  or 
guilt  of  an  action  be  of  the  weight  of  a  grain  of  mustard-seed  only, 
we  will  produce  it  publicly;  and  there  will  be  sufficient  accountants 
with  us.  We  formerly  gave  unto  Moses  and  Aaron  the  Law,  being  a 
distinction  between  good  and  evil,  and  a  light  admonition  unto 
the  pious;  who  fear  their  Lord  in  secret,  and  who  dread  the  hour 
of  judgment.  And  this  book  also  is  a  blessed  admonition;  which  we 
have  sent  down  from  heaven:  will  ye  therefore  deny  it?  And  we 
gave  unto  Abraham  his  direction  heretofore,  and  we  knew  him  to  be 
worthy  of  the  revelations  wherewith  he  was  favoured.  Remember 
when  he  said  unto  his  father,  and  his  people,  What  are  these  images, 
to  which  ye  are  so  entirely  devoted?  They  answered,  We  found  our 
fathers  worshipping  them.  He  said,  Verily  both  ye  and  your  fathers 
have  been  in  a  manifest  error.  They  said,  Dost  thou  seriously  tell  us 
the  truth,  or  art  thou  one  who  jestest  with  us?  He  replied,  Verily 
your  Lord  is  the  Lord  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth ;  it  is  he  who  hath 
created  them:  and  I  am  one  of  those  who  bear  witness  thereof  By 
God,  I  will  surely  devise  a  plot  against  your  idols,  after  ye  shall  have 
vetired  from  them,  and  shall  have  turned  your  backs.  And  in  the 
people's  absence  he  went  into  the  temple  where  the  idols  stood,  ancj 
he  brake  them  all  in  pieces,  except  the  biggest  of  them ;  that  they 
might  lay  the  blame  upon  that.  And  when  they  were  returned,  and 
saw  the  havoc  which  had  been  made,  they  said,  \Vlio  hath  done  this  to 
our  gods?  He  is  certainly  an  impious  person.  And  certain  of  them 
answered,  We  heard  a  young  man  speak  reproachfully  of  them:  he 
is  named  Abraham.  They  said,  Bring  him  therefore  before  the  eyes 
of  the  people,  that  they  may  bear  witness  against  him.  And  when 
he  was  brought  before  the  assembly,  they  said  unto  him,  Hast  thou 
done  this  unto  our  gods,  O  Abraham  ?  He  answered,  Isay,  that 
biggest  of  them  hath  done  it:  but  ask  them,  if  they  can  speak.  And 
they  returned  unto  themselves,  and  said  the  one  to  the  other,  Verily 
ye  are  the  impious  persons.  Afterwards  they  relapsed  into  their 
former  obstinacy,  and  said,  Verity  thou  knowest  that  these  speak  not. 
Abraham  answered,  Do  ye  therefore  worship,  besides  God,  that  which 


178  AL  KORAK 

cannot  profit  you  at  all,  neither  can  it  hurt  you?    Fie  on  yen;  and 
upon  that  which  ye  worship  besides  God!     Do  ye  not  underslju.d'r 
They  said,  Burn  him,  and  avenge  your  ^ods;  if  yz  do  this  it  will  be 
well,     And  when  Abraham   was  cast    into   the  burning  pile,   we 
said,  O  fire,  be  thou  cold,  and  a  preservation  unto  Abrahajo.     And 
they  sought  to  lay  a  plot  against  him;  but  we  caused  them  to  be  the 
sufferer ....     And  we  delivered  him,  and  Lot,  by  bringing  them  into 
the  land  wherein  we  have  blessed  all  creatures.     And  we  bestowed 
on  him  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  as  an   additional    gift,  and  we  made  al! 
of  them  righteous  persons.     We  also  made  them  models  of  religion, 
that  they  might  direct  others  by  our  command:  and  we  inspired  iutc 
them  the  dcrng  of  good  works,  and  the  observance  of  prayer,  and 
the  giving  of  alms;  and  they  served  us.     And  unto  Lot  we  gave 
wisdom  and  knowledge,  and  we  delivered  him  out  of  the  city  which 
committed  filthy  crimes;  for  they  were  a  wicked  and  insolent  people: 
and  we   l^d   nim    into  our   mercy;   for  he    wa°  an    upright  per- 
son.    Ana  remember  Noah,  when  he  called  for  destruction  on  his 
people-,  before  the  prophets  above  mentioned,  and  we  heard  him,  and 
Delivered  him  and  his  family  from  a  great  strait:  and  we  protected 
him  from  the  people  who  accused  our  signs  of  falsehood;  for  they 
were  a  wicked  people,  wherefore  we  drowned  them  all.     And  remem 
her  David,  and  Solomon,  when  they  pronounced  judgment  concerning 
a  field,  when  the  sheep  of  certain  people  had  fed  therein  by  night, 
having  no  shepherd;  and  we  were1  winesses  of  their  judgment;  and 
we  gave  the  understanding  thereof  unto  Solomon.  And  on'all  of  them 
we  bestowed  wisdom,  and  knowledge.     And  we  compelled  the  moun- 
tains to  praise  us  with  David;  and  the  birds  also:  and  we  did  this 
And  we  taught  him  the  art  of  making  coats  of  mail  for  you,  that 
they  may  defend  you  in  your  wars:  will  ye  therefore  be  thankful? 
And  unto  Solcmon  we  subjected  a  strong  wind;  it  ran  at  his  com 
ma  fid  to  the  land  whereon  we  had  bestowed  our  blessing:  and  we 
knew  all  things.     And  we  also  subjected  unto  his  command  divers 
of  the  devils,  who  \night  dive  to  get  pearls  for  nim,  and  perfornt 
other  work  oesides  this:  and  we  watched  over  them.     And  remem 
ber  Job;  when  he  cried  unto  his  Lord,  saying,  Verily,  evil  hath  af* 
flicted  me;  but  thou  art  the  most  merciful  of  those  who  show  mercy. 
Wherefore  we  heard  him,  and  relieved  him  from  the  evil  which  was 
upon  him;    and   we   restored  unto   him  his  family,  and   as   many 
more  with  them  through  our  mercy,  and  for  an  admonition  unto  those 
who  serve  God.     And  remember  Ismael,  and  Kdris.  and  Dhu'lkefl. 
All  these  were  patient  persons:  wherefore  we  led  them  into  our  mercy: 
for  they  were  righteous  doers.     And  remember  Dhu'lnun,  when  he 
departed  in  wrath,  and  thought  that  we  could  not  exercise  our  powei 
over  him.     And  he  cried  out  in  the  darkness,  sayiug,  There  is  no 
God,  besides  thee:  praise  be  unto  thee!     Verily  I  have  been  one  of 
the  unjust.     Wherefore  we  heard  him,  and  delivered  him  from  afflic- 
tion: for  so  do  we  deliver  the  true  believers.     And  remember  Zacba- 


AL  KORAN.  179 

rias,  when  he  called  upon  his  Lord,  saying,  O  Lord,  leave  me  not 
childless:  yet  thou  art  the  best  heir.  Wherefore  we  heard  him,  and 
we  gave  him  John;  and  we  rendered  his  wife  tit  for  bearing  a  child 
unto  him.  These  strove  to  excel  in  good  works,  and  called  upon 
us  with  love,  and  with  fear;  and  humbled  themselves  before  us. 
And  remember  her  who  preserved  her  virginity,  and  into  whom  we 
breathed  of  our  spirit;  ordaining  her  and  her  son  for  a  sign  unto  all 
creatures.  Verily  this  your  religion  is  one  religion ;  and  I  am  your 
Lord;  wherefore  serve  me.  But  the  Jews  and  Christians  have 
made  scliims  in  the  affair  of  their  religion  among  themselves; 
but  all  of  them  shall  appear  before  us.  Whosoever  shall  do  good 
works,  being  a  true  believer,  there  shall  be  no  denial  of  the  reward 
due  to  his  endeavours;  and  we  will  surely  write  it  down  unto 
him.  An  inviolable  prohibition  is  laid  on  every  city  which  we  shall 
have  destroyed;  for  that  they  shall  not  return  any  more  into  the 
world:  until  Gog  and  Magog  shall  have  a  passage  opened  for  them, 
and  they  shall  hasten  from  every  high  hill;  and  the  certain  promise 
shall  draw  near  to  be  fulfilled:  and  behold,  the  eyes  of  the  infidels 
shall  be  lixed  with  astonishment,  and  they  shall  say,  Alas  for  us!  we 
were  formerly  regardless  of  this  day;  yea,  we  were  wicked  doers. 
Verily  both  ye,  O  men  of  Mecca,  and  the  idols  which  ye  worship 
besides  God,  shall  be  cast  as  fuel  into  hell  tire:  ye  shall  go  down 
into  the  same.  If  these  were  really  gods,  they  would  not  go  down 
into  the  same:  and  all  of  them  shall  remain  therein  for  ever.  In 
that  place  shall  they  groan  for  anguish;  and  they  shall  not  hear 
ought  therein.  As  for  those  unto  whom  the  most  excellent  reward 
of  paradise  hath  been  predestinated  by  us,  they  shall  be  transported 
far  off  from  the  same;  they  shall  not  hear  the  least  sound  thereof: 
and  they  shall  continue  for  ever  in  the  felicity  which  their  souls 
desire.  The  greatest  terror  shall  not  trouble  them;  and  the  angels 
shall  meet  them  to  congratulate  them,  saying,  This  is  your  day  which 
ye  were  promised.  On  that  day  we  will  roll  up  the  heavens,  as  the 
angel  al  Sijil  rolleth  up  the  book  wherein  every  man's  actions  are 
recorded.  As  we  made  the  first  creature  out  of  nothing,  so  we  will 
also  reproduce  it  at  the  resurrection.  This  is  a  promise  which 'it  lieth 
on  us  to  fulfil:  we  will  surely  perform  it.  And  now  have  we  written 
in  the  psalms,  after  the  promulgation  of  the  law,  tbat  my  servants 
the  righteous  shall  inherit  the  earth.  Verily  in  this  book  are  con- 
tained sufficient  means  of  salvation,  unto  people  who  serve  God.  We 
have  not  sent  thee,  O  Mohammed,  but  as  a  mercy  unto  all  creatures 
Say,  No  other  hath  been  revealed  unto  me,  than  that  your  God  is  one 
God:  will  ye  therefore  be  resigned  unto  him?  But  if  they  turn 
their  backs  to  the  confession  of  God's  unity,  say,  I  proclaim  war 
against  you  all  equally:  but  I  know  not  whether  that  which  ye  arc 
threatened  with  be  nigh,  or  whether  it  be  far  distant.  Verily,  God 
knoweth  the  discourse  which  is  spoken  in  public;  and  he  also 
knoweth  that  which  ye  hold  in  private.  I  know  not  but  penidventure 


180  AL  KORAN. 

the  respite  granted  you  is  for  a  trial  of  you;  and  that  he  may  enjoy 
the  prosperity  of  this  world  for  a  time,  Say,  Lord,  judge  between 
me  and  my  adversaries  with  truth.  Our  Lord  is  the  merciful;  whose 
assistance  is  to  be  implored  against  the  blasphemies  and  calumnies 
which  ye  utter. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

ENTITLED,    THE   PILGRIMAGE;    REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE   NAME   OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  MEN  of  Mecca,  fear  your  Lord.  Verily  the  shock  of  the  last 
hour  will  be  a  terrible  thing.  On  the  day  whereon  ye  shall  see  it, 
every  woman  who  giveth  suck  shall  forget  the  infant  which  she  suck- 
leth,  and  every  female  that  is  with  young  shall  cast  her  burthen;  and 
thou  shall  see  men  seemingly  drunk,  yet  they  shall  not  be  really 
drunk:  but  the  punishment  of  God  will  be  severe.  There  is  a  man 
who  clisputeth  concerning  God  without  knowledge,  and  followetli 
every  rebellious  devil:  against  whom  it  is  written,  that  whoever  shall 
take  him  for  his  patron,  he  shall  surely  seduce  him,  and  shall  lead 
him  into  the  torment  of  hell.  O  men,  if  ye  be  in  doubt  concerning 
the  resurrection,  consider  that  we  nrst  created  you  of  the  dust  of  the 
ground;  afterwards,  of  seed;  afterwards,  of  a  little  coagulated  blood; 
afterwards,  of  a  piece  of  flesh,  perfectly  formed  in  part,  and  in  part, 
ii. (perfectly  formed:  that  we  might  make  our  power  manifest  unto 
you:  and  we  cause  that  which  we  please  to  rest  in  the  wombs,  until 
the  appointed  time  of  delivery.  Then  we  bring  you  forth  infants; 
and  afterwards  we  permit  you  to  attain  your  age  of  full  strength: 
and  one  of  you  dieth  in  his  youth,  and  another  of  you  is  postponed 
to  a  decrepit  age,  so  that  he  forgetteth  whatever  he  knew.  Thou 
seest  the  earth  sometimes  dried  up  and  barren:  but  when  AVC  send 
down  rain  thereon,  it  is  put  in  motion,  and  swelleth,  and  produceth 
every  kind  of  luxuriant  vegetables.  This  showeth  that  God  is  the 
truth,  and  that  he  raiseth  the  dead  to  life,  and  that  he  is  almighty; 
and  that  the  hour  of  judgment  will  surely  come  (there  is  no  doubt 
thereof),  and  that  God  will  raise  again  those  who  are  in  the  graves. 
There  is  a  man  who  disputcth  concerning  God  without  either  knowl- 
edge, or  a  direction,  or  an  enlightening  book;  proudly  turning  his 
side,  that  he  may  seduce  men  from  the  way  of  God.  Ignominy  shall 
attend  him  in  this  world;  and  on  the  day  of  resurrection  we  will 
nake  him  take  the  torment  of  burning,  when  it  shall  be  said  unto 
him,  This  thou  sull'erest  because  of  that  which  thy  hands  have  for- 
merly committed;  for  God  is  not  unjust  towards  mankind.  There 
are  some  men  who  serve  God  in  a  wavering  manner,  standing,  as 
it  were,  on  the  verge  of  the  true  religion.  If  good  befall  one  of  them, 
he  restetb  satisfied  therein;  but  if  any  tribulation  befall  him,  he 


AL  KOEAtf.  181 

turneth  himself  round,  with  the  loss  both  of  this  world,  and  of  the  life 
to  come.  This  is  manifest  perdition.  He  will  call  upon  that  besides 
God,  which  can  neither  hurt  him,  or  profit  him.  This  is  an  error 
remote.'  1'rom  truth.  He  will  invoke  him  who  will  sooner  be  of  hurt 
to  his  worshipper  than  of  advantage.  Such  is  surely  a  miserable 
patron,  and  a  miserable  companion.  But  God  will  introduce  those 
who  shall  believe,  and  do  righteous  work,  into  gardens  through 
which  rivers  flow,  for  Go<l  doth  that  which  he  pleaseth.  "Whoso 
thinketh  that  God  will  not  a»Ut  his  apostle  in  this  world,  and  in  the 
world  to  come,  let  him  strain  a  rope  towards  heaven,  UUMI  let  him  put 
an  end  to  his  life,  and  see  whether  his  devices  can  render  that  in- 
effectual,  for  which  he  was  angry.  Thus  do  we  send  down  the 
Koran,  being  evident  signs;  for  God  directeth  whom  he  pleaseth. 
As  to  the  true  believers,  and  those  who  Judaize,  and  the  Sabians,  and 
the  Christians,  and  the  Magians,  and  the  idolaters;  verily  God  shall 
judge  between  them  on  the  day  of  resurrection;  for  God  is  witness 
of  all  things.  Dost  thou  not  perceive  that  all  creatures  both  in 
heaven  and  on  earth  adore  God;  and  the  sun,  and  the  moon,  and  tht» 
stars,  and  the  mountains,  and  the  trees,  and  the  beasts,  and  many 
men?  But  many  are  worthy  of  chastisement:  and  whomsoever  God 
shall  render  despicable,  there  shall  be  none  to  honour;  for  God  doth 
that  which  he  pl<  a  eth.  These  are  two  opposite  parties,  who  dispute 
concerning  their  Lord.  And  they  who  believe  not,  shall  have  gar- 
ments of  fire  fitted  unto  them:  boiling  water  shall  be  poured  on  their' 
h'-ads;  their  bowels  shall  be  dissolved  thereby,  and  also  their  skins; 
and  they  shall  be  beaten  with  maces  of  iron.  So  often  as  they  shall 
endeavour  to  get  out  of  hell,  because  of  the  anguish  of  their  torments, 
they  shall  be  dragged  back  into  the  same;  and  their  tormentors  shall 
say  unto  them.  Taste  ye  the  pain  of  burning.  God  will  introduce 
those  who  shall  believe,  and  act  righteously,  into  gardens  through 
which  rivers  flow:  they  shall  be  adorned  therein  with  bracelets  of 
gold,  and  pearls;  and  their  vestures  therein  shall  be  silk.  They  are 
directed  unto  a  good  saying;  and  are  directed  into  the  honourable 
way.  But  they  who  shall  disbelieve,  and  obstruct  the  way  of  God, 
and  hinder  men  from  visiting  the  holy  temple  of  Mecca,  which  we 
have  appointed  for  a  place  of  worship  unto  all  men:  the  inhabitant 
thereof,  and  the  stranger  have  an  equal  right  to  visit  it:  and  who- 
soever shall  seek  impiously  to  profane  it,  we  will  cause  him  to  taste 
a  grievous  torment.  Call  to  mind  when  we  gave  the  site  of  the 
house  of  the  Caaba  for  an  abode  unto  Abraham,  saying,  Do  not 
ass-x-iate  anything  with  me;  and  cleanse  my  house  for  those  who 
compass  it.  and  who  stand  up,  and  who  bow  down  to  worship. 
And  proclaim  unto  the  people  a  solemn  pilgrimage;  let  them  come 
unto  thee  on  foot,  and  on  every  lean  camel,  arriving  from  ever/ 
distant  road;  that  they  may  be  witnesses  of  the  advantages  which 
accrue  to  them  from  the  visiting  this  holy  place,  and  may  commemo- 
rate the  name  of  God  on  the  appointed  days,  in  gratitude  for  the 


182  AL  KORAN. 

brute  cattle  which  he  hath  bestowed  on  them.  Wherefore  eat  there 
af,  and  feed  the  needy,  and  the  poor.  Afterwards  let  them  put  an 
end  to  the  neglect  of  their  persons;  and  let  them  pay  their  vows, 
and  compass  the  ancient  house.  This  let  them  do.  And  whoever 
shall  regard  the  sacred  ordinances  of  God;  this  will  be  better  for  him 
in  the  sight  of  his  Lord.  All  sorts  of  cattle  are  allowed  you  to  eat. 
except  what  hath  been  read  unto  you,  in  former  passages  of  the 
Koran,  to  be  forbidden.  But  depart  from  the  abomination  of  idols, 
and  avoid  speaking  that  which  is  false:  being  orthodox  in  respect  to 
GoiJj  i..i3sociatiug  no  other  god  with  him;  for  whoever  associatetb 
a  in;  other  with  God,  is  like  that  which  falleth  from  heaven,  and 
which  the  birds  snatch  away,  or  thy  wind  bloweth  to  a  far  distant 
place.  This  is  so.  And  whoso  maketh  valuable  offerings  unto  God  • 
verily  they  proceed  from  the  piety  of  men's  hearts.  Ye  receive 
various  advantages  from  the  cattle  designed  for  sacrifices,  until  a  de- 
termined time  for  slaying  them,  then  the  place  of  sacr;ficing  them  is 
at  the  ancient  house.  Unto  the  possessors  of  every  re</g-mn  nave  we 
appointed  certain  rites,  that  they  may  commemorate  the  name  of  God 
on  slaying  the  brute  cattle  which  he  hath  provided  for  them.  Your 
God  iii  one  God:  wherefore  resign  yourselves  wholly  unto  him.  And 
do  tLuu  bear  good  tidings  unto  those  who  humble  themselves;  whose 
hearts,  when  mention  is  made  of  God,  are  struck  with  fear;  and  unto 
those  who  patiently  endure  that  which  befalleth  them;  and  who  duly 
perform  their  prayers,  and  give  alms  out  of  what  we  have  bestowed 
on  them.  The  camels  slain  for  sacrifice  have  we  appointed  for  you 
as  symbols  of  your  obedience  unto  God:  ye  also  receive  other  advan- 
tages from  them.  Wherefore  commemorate  the  name  of  God  over 
them,  when  ve  slay  them,  standing  on  their  feet  disposed  in  right 
order:  and  when  they  are  fallen  down  dead,  eat  of  them;  and  give 
to  eat  thereof  both  unto  him  who  is  content  with  what  is  given  him, 
without  asking,  and  unto  him  who  asketh.  Thus  have  we  given  you 
dominion  over  them,  that  ye  might  return  us  thanks.  Their  flesh  N 
not  accepted  of  God,  neither  their  blood;  but  your  piety  is  accepted 
of  him  Thus  have  we  given  you  dominion  over  them,  that  ye  might 
magnify  God,  for  the  revelations  whereby  he  hath  directed  you.  And 
bear  good  tidings  unto  the  righteous,  that  God  will  repel  the  ill  de 
signs  of  the  infidels  from  the  true  believers;  for  God  loveth  not  every 
perfidious  unbeliever.  Permission  is  granted  unto  those  who  take 
arms  against  the  unbelievers,  for  that  they  have  been  unjustly  perse- 
cuted by  them;  (and  God  is  certainly  able  to  assist  them:)  who  have 
been  turned  out  of  their  habitations  injuriously,  and  foi  no  other 
reason  than  because  they  say,  Our  Lord!  is  God.  And  if  God  did 
not  repel  the  violence  of  some  men  by  others,  verily  monasteries, 
and  churches,  and  synagogues,  and  the  temples  of  the  Moslems, 
wherein  the  name  of  God  is  frequently  commemorated,  would  be  ut- 
terly demolished.  And  God  will  certainly  assist  him  who  shall  be  on 
his  side:  for  God  is  strong  and  mighty.  And  he  will  assist  those 


AL  KORAN.  183 

who,  if  we  establish  them  in  the  earth,  will  observe  prayer,  and  give 
alms,  and  command  that  which  is  just,  and  forbid  that  which  is  un- 
just. And  unto  God  shall  be  the  end  of  all  things.  If  they  accuse 
thee,  O  Mohammed,  of  imposture;  consider  that,  before  them,  the 
people  of  Noah,  and  the  tribes  of  Ad  and  Tharnud,  and  the  people  of 
Abraham,  and  the  people  of  Lot,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Madian,  ac- 
cused their  prophets  of  imposture:  and  Moses  was  also  charged  with 
falsehood.  And  I  granted  a  long  respite  unto  the  unbelievers;  but 
afterwards  I  chastised  them;  and  how  different  was  the  change  1  made 
in  their  condition!  How  many  cities  have  we  destroyed,  which  were 
ungodly,  and  which  are  now  fallen  to  ruin  on  their  roofs?  And  how 
many  wells  have  been  abandoned,  and  lofty  castles?  Do  they  not  there- 
fore journey  through  the  laud?  And  have  they  not  hearts  to  under- 
stand with,  or  ears  to  hear  with?  Surely  as  to  these  things  their  eyes 
are  not  blind,  but  the  hearts  are  blind  which  are  in  their  breasts.  They 
will  urge  thee  to  hasten  the  threatened  punishment;  but  God  will 
not  fail  to  perform  what  he  hath  threatened:  and  verily  one  day  with 
thy  Lord  is  as  a  thousand  years,  of  those  which  ye  compute.  Unto 
how  many  cities  have  I  granted  respite,  though  they  were  wicked? 
Yet  afterwards  I  chastised  them:  and  unto  me  shall  they  come 
to  be  judged,  at  the  last  day.  Say,  O  men,  verily  I  am  only  a 
public  preacher  unto  you.  And  they  who  believe,  and  do  good  works, 
shall  obtain  forgiveness  and  an  honourable  provision.  But  those 
who  endeavour  to  make  our  signs  of  none  effect,  shall  be  the  inhabi- 
tants of  hell.  We  have  sent  no  apostle,  or  prophet,  before  thee,  but, 
when  he  read,  Satan  suggested  some  error  in  his  reading.  But  God 
shall  make  void  that  which  Satan  hath  suggested:  then  shall  God 
confirm  his  signs;  for  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  But  this  he  per- 
mitteth,  that  he  may  make  that  which  Satan  hath  suggested,  a  temp- 
tation unto  those  in  whose  hearts  there  is  an  infirmity,  and  whose 
hearts  are  hardened:  (for  the  ungodly  are  certainly  in  a  wide  dis- 
agreement from  the  truth:)  and  that  they  on  whom  knowledge  hath 
been  bestowed,  may  know  that  this  book  is  the  truth  from  thy  Lord, 
and  may  believe  therein;  and  that  their  hearts  may  acquiesce  in  the 
same:  for  God  is  surely  the  director  of  those  who  believe,  into  the 
right  way.  But  the  infidels  will  not  cease  to  doubt  concerning  it, 
until  the  hour  of  judgment  cometh  suddenly  upon  them;  or  until 
the  punishment  of  a  grievous  day  overtake  them.  On  that  day  the 
kingdom  shall  be  God's:  he  shall  judge  between  them.  And  they 
who  shall  have  believed,  and  shall  have  wrought  righteousness,  shall 
be  in  gardens  of  pleasure:  but  they  who  shall  have  disbelieved,  and 
shall  have  charged  our  signs  with  falsehood,  those  shall  suffer  a  shame- 
ful punishment.  And  as  to  those  who  shall  have  tied  their  country 
for  the  sake  of  God's  true  religion,  and  afterwards  shall  have  been 
slain,  or  shall  have  died;  on  them  will  God  bestow  an  excellent  pro- 
vision; and  God  is  the  best  provider.  He  will  surely  introduce  them 
with  an  introduction  with  which  they  shall  be  well-pleased:  for  God 


184  AL  KORAN. 

is  knowing  and  gracious.     This  is  so.     "Whoever  shall  take  a  ven- 
•rrance  equal  to  the  injury  which  hath  been  done  him,  and  shall  after  - 
•vards  l>c  unjustly  treated;  verily  God  will  assist  him:  for  God  is 
*vrciful    and  ready  to  forgive.     This  shall  be  done,  for  that  God 
jat  seili  die  night  to  succeed  the  day,  and  he  causeth  the  day  to  suc- 
ceed the  night;  and  for  that  God  both  heareth  and  seeth.     This,  be- 
cai  se  God  is  truth,  and  because  what  they  invoke  besides  him  is 
vauity ;  and  for  that  God  is  the  high,  the  mighty.     Dost  thou  not  see 
that  God  sendeth  down  water  from  heaven,  and  the  earth  become th 
green?  for  God  is  gracious  and  wise.     Unto  him  belongeth  whatso- 
ever is  in  heaven  and  on  earth :  and  God  is  self-sufficient,  worthy  to 
be  praised.     Dost  thou  not  see  that  God  hath  subjected  whatever  is 
in  the  earth  to  your  service,  and  also  the  ships  which  sail  in  the  sea, 
by  his  command?    And  he  withholdeth  the  heaven  that  it  fall  not  on 
the  earth,  unless  by  his  permission:  for  God  is  gracious  unto  man- 
kind, and  merciful.     It  is  he  who  hath  given  you  life,  and  will  here- 
after cause  you  to  die;  afterwards  he  will  again  raise  you  to  life,  at 
the  resurrection:  but  man  is  surely  ungrateful.     Unto  the  professors 
of  every  religion  have  we  appointed  certain  rites,  which  they  observe. 
Let  them  not  therefore  dispute  with  thee  concerning  this  matter;  but 
invite  them  unto  thy  Lord:  for  thou  followest  the  right  direction. 
But  if  they  enter  into  debate  with  thee,  answer,  God  well  knoweth 
that  which  ye  do:  God  will  judge  between  you,  on  the  day  of  resur- 
rection, concerning  that  wherein  ye  now  disagree.     Dost  thou  not 
know  that  God  knoweth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth?    Verily 
this  is  written  in  the  book  of  his  decrees:  this  is  easy  with  God. 
They  worship,  besides  God,  that  concerning  which  he  hath  sent  down 
no  convincing  proof,  and  concerning  which  they  have  no  knowledge: 
but  the  unjust  doers  shall  have  none  to  assist  them.     And  when  c.i-.r 
evident  signs  are  rehearsed  unto  them,  thou  mayest  perceive,  in  the 
countenances  of  the  unbelievers,  a  disdain  thereof:  it  wanteth    little 
but  that  they  rush  with  violence  on  those  who  rehearse  our  signs  un- 
to them.    Say,  Shall  I  declare  unto  you  a  worse  thing  than  this?    The 
fire  of  hell,  which  God  hath  threatened  unto  those  who  believe  i.ot, 
is  worse;  and  an  unhappy  journey  shall  it  be  thither.      O  ir.cn,   a 
parable  is  propounded  unto  you;  wherefore  hearken  unto  it.     Verily 
the  idols  which  ye  invoke,  besides  God,  can  never  create  a  single  fly, 
although  they  were  all  assembled  for  that  purpose:  and   if  the  \\\ 
snatch  anything  from  them,  they  cannot  recover  the  same  from  it. 
Weak  is  the  petitioner,  and  the  petitioned.     They  judge  not  of  God 
according  to  his  due  estimation:  for  God  is  powerful  and  mitihiy. 
God  chooseth  messengers  from  among  the  angels,  and  from  among- 
men:  for  God  is  he  who  heareth  and  seeth.    He  knoweth  that  which 
is  before  them,  and  that  which  is  behind  them:  and  unto  God  si.:  11 
all  things  return.     O  true  believers,  bow  down,  and  prostrate  your- 
selves, and  worship  your  Lord;  and  work  righteousness,  that  ye  may 
be  happy;  and  fight  in  defence  of  God's  true  religion,  as  it  behove. a 


AL  KORAN.  185 

you  to  fight  for  the  same.  He  hath  chosen  you,  and  bath  not  im- 
posed on  you  any  difficulty  in  the  religion  which  he  hath  given  you, 
the  religion  of  your  father  Abraham:  he  hath  named  you  Moslems 
heretofore,  and  in  this  book;  that  our  apostle  may  be  a  witness 
against  you  at  the  day  of  judgment,  and  that  ye  may  be  witnesses 
against  the  rest  of  mankind.  Wherefore  be  ye  constant  at  prayer; 
and  give  alms:  and  adhere  firmly  unto  God.  He  is  your  master;  and 
he  is  the  best  master;  and  the  best  protector. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

ENTITLED,  THE  TRUE  BELIEVERS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  XAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

(XVIII.)  Now  are  the  true  believers  happy :  who  humble  themselves 
in  their  prayer,  and  who  eschew  all  vain  discourse,  and  who  are 
doers  of  alms-deeds;  and  who  keep  themselves  from  carnal  knowl- 
edge of  any  women  except  their  wives,  or  the  captives  which  their 
right  hands  possess;  (for  as  to  them  they  shall  be  blameless:  but  who- 
ever coveteth  any  woman  beyond  these,  they  are  transgressors  •  and 
who  acquit  themselves  faithfully  of  their  trust,  and  justly  perform 
their  covenant;  and  who  observe  their  appointed  times  of  prayer:) 
these  shall  be  the  heirs,  who  shall  inherit  paradise ,  they  shall  continue 
therein  for  ever.  We  formerly  created  man  of  a  finer  sort  of  clay ; 
afterwards  we  placed  him  in  the  form  of  seed  in  a  sure  receptacle: 
afterwards  we  made  the  seed  coagulated  blood ,  and  we  formed  the 
coagulated  blood  into  a  piece  of  flesh :  then  we  formed  the  piece  of 
flesh  into  bones;  and  we  clothed  those  bones  writh  flesh:  then  we  pro- 
duced the  same  by  another  creation.  Wherefore  blessed  be  God,  the 
most  excellent  Creator!  After  this  shall  ye  die:  and  afterwards  shall 
ye  be  restored  to  life,  on  the  day  of  resurrection.  And  we  have 
created  over  you  seven  heavens:  and  we  are  not  negligent  of  what 
we  have  created.  And  we  send  down  rain  from  heaven,  by  measure ; 
and  \ve  cause  it  to  remain  on  the  earth ;  and  we  are  also  certainly  able  to 
deprive  you  of  the  same.  And  we  cause  gardens  of  palm-trees,  and 
vineyards,  to  spring  forth  for  you  by  means  thereof;  wherein  ye  have 
many  fruits,  and  whereof  ye  eat.  And  we  also  raise  for  you  a  tree 
springing  from  Mount  Sinai ;  which  produceth  oil,  and  a  sauce  for 
those  who  eat.  Ye  have  likewise  an  instruction  in  the  cattle:  we 
give  you  to  drink  of  the  milk  which  is  in  their  bellies,  and  ye  receive 
many  ads-antages  from  them;  and  of  them  do  ye  eat;  and  on  them, 
and  on  ships,  are  ye  carried.  We  sent  Xoah  heretofore  unto  his 
people,  and  he  said,  O  my  people,  serve  God:  ye  have  no  God  besides 
him;  will  j-e  not  therefore  fear  the  consequence  of  your  worshipping 
other  gods?  And  the  chiefs  of  his  people,  who  believed  not,  said, 
no  other  than  a  man,  as  ye  are ;  lie  seeketh  to  raise  himself  to 


186  AL  KORAN. 

a  superiority  orer  you.  If  God  had  pleased  to  have  sent  a  messenger 
unto  you,  he  would  surely  have  sent  angels:  we  have  not  heard  this 
of  our  forefathers.  Verily  he  is  no  other  than  a  man  disturbed  with 
frenzy:  wherefore  wait  concerning  him  for  a  time.  Noah  said,  O 
Lord,  do  thou  protect  me ;  for  that  they  accuse  me  of  falsehood.  And 
we  revealed  our  orders  unto  him,  saying,  Make  the  ark  in  our  sight ; 
and  according  to  our  revelation.  And  when  our  decree  cometh  to  be 
executed,  and  the  oven  shall  boil  and  pour  forth  water,  carry  into  it 
of  every  species  of  animals  one  pair;  and  also  thy  family,  except  such 
of  them  on  whom  a  previous  sentence  of  destruction  hath  passed :  and 
speak  not  unto  me  in  behalf  of  those  who  have  been  unjust;  for 
they  shall  be  drowned.  And  when  thou  and  they  who  shall  be  with 
thee,  shall  go  up  into  the  ark,  say,  Praise  be  unto  God,  who  hath 
delivered  us  from  the  ungodly  people !  And  say,  O  Lord,  cause  me 
to  come  down  from  this  ark  with  a  blessed  descent;  for  thou  art  best 
able  to  bring  me  down  from  the  same  with  safety.  Verily  herein 
were  signs  of  our  omnipotence;  and  we  proved  mankind  thereby. 
Afterwards  we  raised  up  another  generation  after  them ;  and  we  sent 
unto  them  an  apostle  from  among  them,  who  said,  Worship  God :  ye 
have  no  God  besides  him;  will  ye  not  therefore  fear  his  vengeance? 
And  the  chiefs  of  his  people,  who  believed  not,  and  who  denied  the 
meeting  of  the  life  to  come,  and  on  whom  we  had  bestowed  affluence 
in  this  present  life,  said,  This  is  no  other  than  a  man,  as  ye  are;  he 
eateth  of  that  whereof  ye  eat,  and  he  drinketh  of  that  whereof  ye 
drink:  and  if  ye  obey  a  man  like  unto  yourselves,  ye  will  surely  be 
sufferers.  Doth  he  threaten  you  that  after  ye  shall  be  dead,  and  shall 
become  dust  and  bones,  ye  shall  be  brought  forth  alive  from  your 
graves?  Away,  away  with  that  ye  are  threatened  with!  There  is  no 
other  life  besides  our  present  life:  we  die  and  we  live;  and  we 
shall  not  be  raised  again.  This  is  no  other  than  a  man,  who 
deviseth  a  lie  concerning  God:  but  we  will  not  believe  him.  Their 
apostles  said,  O  Lord,  defend  me;  for  that  they  have  accused 
me  of  imposture.  God  answered,  After  a  little  while  they  shal' 
surely  repent  their  obstinacy.  Wherefore  a  severe  punishment 
was  justly  inflicted  on  them,  and  we  rendered  them  like  the  refuse 
which  is  carried  down  by  a  stream.  Away  therefore  with  tho 
ungodly  people!  Afterwards  we  raised  up  other  generations  after 
them.  No  nation  shall  be  punished  before  their  determined  time: 
neither  shall  they  be  respited  after.  Afterwards  we  sent  our  apostles, 
one  after  another.  So  often  as  their  apostle  came  unto  any  nation, 
they  charged  him  with  imposture  :  and  we  caused  them  successively 
to  follow  one  another  to  destruction ;  and  we  made  them  only  subjects 
of  traditional  stories.  Away  therefore  with  the  unbelieving  nations  1 
Afterwards  we  sent  Moses,  and  Aaron  his  brother,  with  our  signs  and 
manifest  power,  unto  Pharaoh  and  his  princes:  but  they  proudly 
refused  to  believe  on  him ;  for  the}'  were  a  haughty  people.  And 
they  said,  Shall  we  believe  on  (women  like  unto  ourselves,  whose 


AL  KORAN.  18? 

1  people  are  our  servants  ?  And  they  accused  them  of  imposture, 
wherefore  they  became  of  the  number  of  those  who  were  destroyed. 
\nd  we  heretofore  gave  the  book  of  the  law  unto  Moses,  that  the 
children  of  Israel  might  be  directed  thereby.  And  we  appointed  the 
son  of  Mary,  and  his  mother,  for  a  sign :  and  we  prepared  an  abode 
for  them  in  an  elevated  part  of  the  earth,  being  a  place  of  quiet  and 
security,  and  watered  with  running  springs.  O  apostles,  eat  of  those 
things  which  are  good,  and  work  righteousness:  for  I  well  know 
that  which  ye  do.  This  your  religion  is  one  religion;  and  I  am 
your  Lord:  wherefore  fear  me.  But  men  have  rent  the  affair  of 
their  religion  into  various  sects:  every  party  rejoiceth  in  that  which 
they  follow.  Wherefore  leave  them  in  their'confusiou,  until  a  certain 
time.  Do  they  think  that  we  hasten  unto  them  the  wealth  and 
children  which  we  have  abundantly  bestowed  on  them,  for  their  good? 
But  they  do  not  understand.  Verily  they  who  stand  in  awe,  for  fear 
of  their  Lord,  and  who  believe  in  the  signs  of  their  Lord,  and  who 
attribute  not  companions  unto  their  Lord;  and  who  give  that  which 
they  give  in  alms,  their  hearts  being  struck  with  dread,  for  that  they 
must  return  unto  their  Lord ,  these  hasten  unto  good,  and  are  fore- 
most to  obtain  the  same.  We  will  not  impose  any  difficulty  on  a  soul, 
except  according  to  its  ability;  with  us  is  a  book,  which  speaketh  the 
truth;  and  they  shall  not  be  injured.  But  their  hearts  are  drowned 
in  negligence,  as  to  this  matter ;  and  they  have  works  different  from 
those  we  have  mentioned ;  which  they  will  continue  to  do,  until,  when 
we  chastise  such  of  them  as  enjoy  an  affluence  of  fortune,  by  a 
severe  punishmemt,  behold  they  cry  aloud  for  help:  but  it  shall  be 
answered  them,  Cry  not  for  help  to-day:  for  ye  shall  not  be  assisted 
by  us.  My  signs  were  read  unto  you,  but  ye  turned  back  on  your 
heels :  proudly  elating  yourselves  because  of  your  possessing  the  holy 
temple  ;  discoursing  together  by  night,  and  talking  foolishly.  Do 
they  not  therefore  attentively  consider  that  which  is  spoken  unto 
them;  whether  a  revelation  is  come  unto  them  which  came  not  unto 
their  forefathers?  Or  do  they  not  know  their  apostle;  and  therefore 
reject  him  ?  Or  do  they  say,  He  is  a  madman  ?  Kay,  he  hath  come 
unto  them  with  the  truth;  but  the  greater  part  of  them  detest  the 
truth.  If  the  truth  had  followed  their  desires,  verily  the  heavens  and 
the  earth,  and  whoever  therein  is,  had  been  corrupted,  But  we  have 
brought  them  their  admonition :  and  they  turn  aside  from  their  ad- 
monition. Dostt  hou  ask  of  them  any  maintenance  for  thy  preaching? 
since  the  maintenance  of  thy  Lord  is  better;  for  he  is  the  most 
bounteous  provider.  Thou  certainly  invitest  them  to  the  right  way: 
and  they  who  believe  not  in  the  life  to  come,  do  surely  deviate  from 
that  way.  If  we  had  had  compassion  on  them,  and  had  taken  off 
from  them  the  calamity  which  had  befallen  them,  they  would  surely 
have  more  obstinately  persisted  in  their  error,  wandering  in  confusion. 
We  formerly  chastised  them  with  a  punishment:  yet  they  did  not 
humble  themselves  before  their  Lord,  neither  did  they  make  suppli- 


m  AL  KORAX. 

cations  unto  him;  until,  when  we  have  opened  upon  them  a  door, 
from  which  a  severe  punishment  hath  issued,  behold,  they  are  driven 
io  despair  thereat.  It  is  God  who  hath  crea.ed  in  you  the  sen-es  of 
hearing  and  of  sight,  that  ye  may  perceive  our  judgments,  and  hearts, 
that  ye  may  seriously  consider  them  yet  how  few  of  you  give  thanks! 
It  is  he  who  hath  produced  you  iu  the  earth;  and  before  him  shall  ye 
be  assembled.  It  is  he  who  giveth  life,  and  putteth  to  death;  and  to 
him  is  to  be  attributed  the  vicissitude  of  night  and  day:  do  \e  not 
iherefore  understand?  But  the  unbelieving  Meccans  say  as  their 
predecessors  said  they  say,  When  we  shall  be  dead,  and  shall  have 
become  dust  and  bones,  shall  we  really  be  raised  to  life?  We  have 
already  been  threatened  with  this,  and  our  fathers  also  heretofore: 
this  is  nothing  but  fables  of  the  ancients.  Say,  Whose  is  the  earth, 
and  whoever  therein  is;  if  ye  know?  They  will  answer,  God's. 
Say,  Will  ye  not  therefore  consider?  Say,  Who  is  the  Lord  of  the 
seven  heavens,  and  the  Lord  of  the  magnificent  throne?  They  will 
answer,  They  are  God's.  Say,  Will  ye  not  therefore  fearhim?  Say, 
In  whose  hand  is  the  kingdom  of  all  things;  who  protecteth  whom 
he  pleaseth,  but  is  himself  protected  of  none;  if  ye  know?  They 
will  answer,  In  God's.  Say,  How  therefore  are  ye  bewitched?  Yea, 
we  have  brought  them  the  truth;  and  they  are  certainly  liars  in  deny- 
ing the  same.  God  hath  not  begotten  issue;  neither  is  there  any 
other  god  with  him:  otherwise  every  god  had  surely  taken  away  that 
which  he  had  created;  and  some  of  them  had  exalted  themselves 
above  the  others.  Far  be  that  from  God,  which  they  affirm  of  him! 
He  knoweth  that  which  is  concealed,  and  that  which  fe  made  public: 
wherefore  far  be  it  from  him  to  have  those  sharers  in  his  honour, 
which  they  attribute  to  him!  Say,  O  Lord,  if  thou  wilt  surely  cause 
me  to  see  the  vengeance  with  which  they  have  been  threatened;  O 
Lord,  set  me  not  among  the  ungodly  people:  for  we  are  surely  able 
to  make  thee  to  see  that  with  which  we  have  threatened  them.  Turn 
aside  evil  with  that  which  is  better:  we  well  know  the  calumnies 
wnich  they  utter  against  thee.  And  say,  O  Lord,  I  fly  unto  thee  for 
refuge,  against  the  suggestions  of  the  devils:  and  1  have  mourse 
unto  thee,  O  Lord,  to  drive  them  away,  that  they  be  not  present  with 
me.  The  gainsaying  of  the  unbelievers  ceaseth  not  until,  when  death 
overtaketh  any  of  them,  he  saith,  O  Lord,  suffer  me  to  return  to  life, 
that  I  may  do  that  which  is  right;  in  professing  the  true  faith  which 
I  have  neglected  By  no  means.  Verily  these  are  the  words  which 
he  shall  speak:  but  behind  them  there  shall  be  bar,  until  the  day 
of  resurrection.  When  therefore  the  trumpet  shall  be  sounded,  there 
shall  be  no  relation  between  them  which  shall  be  regarded  on  that 
day;  neither  shall  they  ask  assistance  of  each  other.  They  whose 
balances  shall  be  heavy  with  good  works,  shall  be  happy:  but  they 
whose  balances  shall  be  light,  are  those  who  shall  lose  their  souls, 
and  shall  remain  in  hell  for  ever.  The  fire  shall  scorch  their  faces, 
and  they  shall  writhe  their  mouths  therein  for  anguish:  and  it  shall 


AL  KORAN.  189 

be  said  unto  them,  Were  not  my  signs  rehearsed  unto  you;  and  did 
ye  not  charge  them  with  falsehood?  The}"  shall  answer,  O  Lord, 
our  unhappiness  prevailed  over  us,  and  we  were  people  who  went 
astray.  O  Lord,  take  us  forth  from  this  ire:  if  we  return  to  our 
former  wickedness,  we  shall  surely  be  unjust.  God  will  say  unto 
them,  Be  ye  driven  away  with  ignominy  thereinto:  and  speak  not 
unto  me  to  deliver  you.  Verily  tin-re  were  a  parly  of  my  servants, 
who  said,  O  Lord,  we  believe:  wherefore  forgive  us,  and  be  merciful 
unto  us;  for  thou  art  the  best  of  those  who  show  mercy  But  ye 
received  them  with  scoffs,  so  that  they  suffered  you  to  forget  my 
admonition,  and  ye  laughed  them  to  scorn.  1  have  this  day  rewarded 
them,  for  that  they  suffered  the  in  juries  ye  offered  them  with  patience: 
verily  they  enjoy  great  felicity.  God  will  say,  What  number  of  years 
have  ye  continued  on  earth?  They  will  answer,  We  have  continued 
there  a  day.  or  part  of  ;i  day:  but  ask  those  who  keep  account.  God 
will  say.  Ye  have  tarried  but  a  little,  if  ye  knew  it.  Did  ye  th/»k 
that  we  had  created  you  in  sport,  and  that  ye  should  not  be  brought 
again  before  us?  Whereiore  iet  God  be  exalted,  the  King,  the  Truth! 
There  is  no  God  besides  him,  the  Lord  of  the  honourable  throne. 
Whoever  together  with  the  true  God  shall  invoke  another  god,  con- 
cerning whom  he  hath  no  demonstrative  proof,  shall  surely  be  brought 
to  an  account  for  the  same  before  his  Lord.  Verily  the  infidels  shall 
not  prosper.  Say.  O  Lord,  pardon,  and  show  mercy;  for  thou  art 
the  best  of  those  who  show  mercy. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

ENTITLED,    LIGHT;   REVEALED   AT   MEDINA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THIS  Sura  have  we  sent  down  from  heaven;  and  have  ratified  the 
same;  and  we  have  revealed  therein  evident  signs,  that  ye  may  be 
warned.  The  whore,  and  the  whoremonger,  shall  ye  scourge  with 
an  hundred  stripes.  And  let  not  compassion  towards  them  prevent 
you  from  executing  the  judgment  of  God;  if  you  believe  in  God 
and  the  last  day:  and  let  some  of  the  true  believers  be  witnesses  of 
their  punishment.  The  whoremonger  shall  not  marry  any  other  than 
a  harlot,  or  an  idolatress.  And  a  harlot  shall  no  man  take  in  mar- 
riage, except  a  whoremonger,  or  an  idolater.  And  this  kind  of 
marriage  is  forbidden  the  true  believers.  But  as  to  those  who 
art  use  women  of  reputation  of  whoredom,  and  produce  not  four  wit- 
a  of  the  fact,  scourge  them  with  fourscore  stripes,  and  receive 
not  their  testimony  for  ever;  for  such  are  infamous  prevaricators:  ex- 
cepting those  who  shall  afterwards  repent,  and  amend;  for  unto  such 
will  God  be  gracious  and  merciful.  They  who  shall  accuse  their 
"Wives  of  adultery,  and  shall  have  no  witnesses  thereof  besides  them- 


190  AL  KORAX. 

selves ;  the  testimony  which  shall  be  required  of  one  of  them  shall  be, 
that  he  swear  four  times  by  God  that  he  speaketh  the  truth :  and  the 
fifth  time  that  he  imprecate  the  curse  of  God  on  him,  if  he  be  a  liar. 
And  it  shall  avert  the  punishment  from  the  wife,  if  she  swear  four 
times  by  God  that  he  is  a  liar;  and  if  the  fifth  time  she  imprecate  the 
wrath  of  God  on  her,  if  he  speaketh  the  truth.  If  it  were  not  for  the 
indulgence  of  God  towards  you,  and  his  mercy,  and  that  God  is  easy 
to  be  reconciled,  and  wise;  he  would  immediately  discover  your 
crimes.  As  to  the  party  among  you  who  have  published  the  false- 
hood concerning  Ayesha,  think  it  not  to  be  an  evil  unto  you :  on  the 
contrary,  it  is  better  for  you.  Every  man  of  them  shall  be  punished 
according  to  the  injustice  of  which  he  hath  been  guilty;  and  he 
among  them  who  hath  undertaken  to  aggravate  the  same,  shall  suffer 
a  grievous  punishment.  Did  not  the  faithful  men,  and  the  faithful 
women,  when  ye  heard  this,  judge  in  their  own  minds  for  the  best; 
and  say,  This  is  a  manifest  falsehood?  Have  they  produced  four 
witnesses  thereof?  wherefore  since  they  have  not  produced  the  wit- 
nesses, they  are  surely  liars  in  the  sight  of  God.  Had  it  not  been  for 
the  indulgence  of  God  towards  you,  and  his  mercy,  in  this  world  and 
in  that  which  is  to  come,  verily  a  grievous  punishment  had  been  in- 
flicted on  you,  for  the  calumny  which  ye  have  spread:  when  ye  pub- 
lished that  with  your  tongues,  and  spoke  that  with  your  mouths,  of 
which  ye  had  no  knowledge ;  and  esteemed  it  to  be  light,  whereas  it 
was  a  matter  of  importance  in  the  sight  of  God.  When  ye  heard  it, 
did  ye  say,  It  belongeth  not  unto  us,  that  we  should  talk  of  this 
matter:  God  forbid!  this  is  a  grievous  calumny?  God  warneth  you, 
that  ye  return  not  to  the  like  crime  for  ever;  if  ye  be  true  believers. 
And  God  declareth  unto  you  his  signs;  for  God  is  knowing  and 
wise.  Verily  they  who  love  that  scandal  be  published  of  those  who 
believe,  shall  receive  a  severe  punishment  both  in  this  world,  and  in 
the  next.  God  knoweth,  but  ye  know  not.  Had  it  not  been  for  the 
indulgence  of  God  towards  you,  and  his  mercy,  and  that  God  is 
gracious  and  merciful,  ye  had  felt  his  vengeance.  O  true  believers, 
follow  not  the  steps  of  the  devil :  for  whosoever  shall  follow  the  steps 
of  the  devil,  he  will  command  him  filthy  crimes,  and  that  which  is 
unlawful.  It  it  were  not  for  the  indulgence  of  God,  and  his  mercy 
towards  you,  there  had  not  been  so  much  as  one  of  you  cleansed 
from  his  guilt  for  ever:  but  God  cleanseth  whom  he  pleaseth  ; 
for  God  both  heareth  and  knoweth.  Let  not  those  among  you 
who  possess  abundance  of  wealth,  and  have  ability,  swear  that 
they  will  not  give  unto  their  kindred,  and  the  poor,  and  those  who 
have  fled  their  country  for  the  sake  of  God's  true  religion:  but  let 
them  forgive,  and  act  with  benevolence  towards  them.  Do  ye  not 
desire  that  God  should  pardon  you?  And  God  is  gracious  and 
merciful.  Moreover  they  who  falsely  accuse  modest  women,  who 
behave  in  a  negligent  manner,  and  are  true  believers,  shall  be  cursed 
in  this  world,  and  in  the^  world  to  come;  and  they  shall  suffer  ** 


AL  KORAN.  191 

eevere  punishment.  One  day  cheir  own  tongues  shall  bear  witness 
against  them,  and  their  hands,  and  their  feet,  concerning  that  which 
they  have  done.  On  that  day  shall  God  render  unto  them  their  just 
due  •  and  they  shall  know  that  God  is  the  evident  truth.  The  wicked 
women  should  be  joined  to  the  wicked  men,  and  the  wicked  men  to 
the  wicked  women ;  but  the  good  women  should  be  married  to  the 
good  men,  and  the  good  men  to  the  good  women.  These  shall  be 
cleared  from  the  calumnies  which  slanderers  speak  of  them:  they 
shall  obtain  pardon,  and  an  honourable  position.  O  true  believers, 
enter  not  any  houses,  besides  your  own  houses,  until  ye  have  asked 
leave,  and  have  saluted  the  family  thsreof:  this  is  better  for  you; 
peradventure  ye  will  be  admonished.  And  if  ye  shall  find  no  person 
in  the  houses,  yet  do  not  enter  them,  until  leave  be  granted  you:  and 
if  it  be  said  unto  you,  Return  back;  do  ye  return  back.  This  will  be 
more  decent  for  you ;  and  God  knoweth  that  which  ye  do.  It  shall 
be  no  crime  in  you,  and  ye  enter  uninhabited  houses,  wherein  ye 
may  meet  with  a  convenience.  God  kuoweth  that  which  ye  discover, 
and  that  which  ye  conceal.  Speak  unto  the  true  believers,  that  they 
restrain  their  eyes,  and  keep  themselves  from  immodest  actions:  this 
will  be  more  pure  for  them ;  for  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that 
which  they  do.  And  speak  unto  the  believing  women,  that  they 
restrain  their  eyes,  and  preserve  their  modesty,  and  discover  not 
their  ornaments,  except  what  necessarily  appeareth  thereof:  and  let 
them  throw  their  veils  over  their  bosoms,  and  not  show  their  orna- 
ments, unless  to  their  husbands,  or  their  fathers,  or  their  husbands' 
fathers,  or  their  sons,  or  their  husbands'  sons,  or  their  brothers,  or  their 
brothers'  sons,  or  their  sisters'  sons,  or  their  women,  or  the  captives 
which  their  right  hands  shall  possess,  or  unto  such  men  as  attend  them, 
and  have  no  need  of  women,  or  unto  children,  who  distinguish  not  the 
nakedness  of  women.  And  let  them  not  make  a  noise  with  their  feet, 
that  their  ornaments  which  they  hide  may  thereby  be  discovered. 
And  be  ye  all  turned  unto  God,  O  true  believers,  that  ye  may  be  happy. 
Marry  those  who  are  single  among  you,  and  such  as  are  honest  of 
your  men-servants,  and  your  maid-servants:  if  they  be  poor,  God  will 
enrich  them  of  his  abundance;  for  God  is  bounteous  and  wise.  And 
let  those  who  find  not  a  match,  keep  themselves  from  fornication, 
until  God  shall  enrich  them  of  his  abundance.  And  unto  such  of 
your  slaves  as  desire  a  written  instrument  allowing  them  to  redeem 
themselves  on  paying  a  certain  sum,  write  one,  if  ye  know  good  in 
them :  and  give  them  of  the  riches  of  God,  which  he  hath  given  you. 
And  compel  not  your  maid-servants  to  prostitute  themselves,  if  they 
be  willing  to  live  chastely;  that  ye  may  seek  the  casual  advantage  of 
this  present  life:  but  whoever  shall  compel  them  thereto,  verily  God 
will  be  gracious  and  merciful  unto  such  women  after  their  compul- 
sion. And  nowr  have  we  revealed  unto  you  evident  signs,  and  a 
history  like  unto  some  of  the  histories  of  those  who  have  gone  before 
you,  and  an  admonition  unto  the  pious.  God  is  the  light  of  heaven 


192  AL  KORAN. 

and  earth :  the  similitude  of  his  light  is  as  a  niche  in  a  •wall,  wherein 
a  lamp  is  placed,  and  the  lamp  enclosed  in  a  case  of  glass;  the  glass 
appears  as  it  were  a  shining  star.  It  is  lighted  with  the  oil  of  a 
blessed  tree,  an  olive  neither  of  the  east,  nor  of  the  west;  it  wanteth 
little  but  that  the  oil  thereof  would  give  light,  although  no  fire 
touched  it.  This  is  light  added  unto  light:  God  will  direct  unto  his 
light  whom  he  pleasetlT.  God  propoundeth  parables  unto  men;  for 
God  knoweth  all  things.  In  the  houses  which  God  hath  permitted  to 
be  raised,  and  that  his  name  be  commemorated  therein  :  men  celebrate 
his  praise  in  the  same  morning  and  evening,  whom  neither  merchan- 
di/.ing,  nor  selling  diverteth  from  the  remembering  of  God.  and  the 
observance  of  prayer,  and  the  giving  of  alms;  fearing  the  da\  where- 
on men's  hearts  and  eyes  shall  be  troubled;  that  God  may  recom- 
pense them  according  to  the  utmost  merit  of  what  they  shall  hav; 
wrought,  and  may  add  unto  them  of  his  abundance  a  more  excellent 
reward;  for  God*  bestoweth  on  whom  he  pleaseth  without  measure. 
But  as  to  the  unbelievers,  their  works  are  like  the  vapour  in  a  plain, 
which  the  thirsty  traveller  thinketh  to  be  water,  until,  when  he 
cometh  thereto,  he  findeth  it  to  be  nothing;  but  he  findeth  God  with 
him,  and  he  will  fully  pay  him  his  account;  and  God  is  swift  in 
taking  an  account :  or,  as  the  darkness  in  a  deep  sea,  covered  by  waves 
riding  on  waves,  above  which  are  clouds,  being  additions  of  darkness 
one  over  the  other;  when  one  stretcheth  forth  his  hand,  he  is  far 
from  seeing  it,  And  unto  whomsoever  God  shall  not  grant  his  light, 
he  shall  enjoy  no  light  at  all.  Dost  thou  not  perceive  that  all  crea- 
tures both  in  heaven  and  earth  praise  God;  and  the  birds  also,  ex- 
tending their  wings?  Every  one  knoweth  his  prayer,  and  his  praise: 
and  God  knoweth  that  which  they  do.  Unto  God  belongeth  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth ;  and  imto  God  shall  be  the  return  af 
the  last  day.  Dost  thou  not  see  that  God  gently  driveth  forward  the 
clouds,  and  gathereth  them  together,  and  then  layeth  them  on  heaps? 
Thou  also  seest  the  rain,  which  falleth  from  the  midst  thereof; 
and  God  sendeth  down  from  heaven  as  it  were  mountains,  v herein 
there  is  hail;  he  striketh  therewith  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  turnetb 
the  same  away  from  whom  he  pleaseth:  the  brightness  of  his  light- 
ning wanteth  but  little  of  taking  away  the  sight.  God  shifteth  the 
night,  and  the  day :  verily  herein  is  an  instruction  unto  those  who 
have  sight.  And  God  hath  created  every  animal  of  water;  one  of 
them  goeth  on  his  belly,  and  another  of  them  walketh  upon  two  feet, 
and  another  of  them  walketh  upon  four  feet :  God  createth  that 
which  he  pleaseth;  for  God  is  almighty.  Now  have  we  sent  down 
evident  signs:  and  God  directeth  whom  he  pleaseth  into  the  right 
way.  The  hypocrites  say,  We  believe  in  God,  and  on  his  apostle; 
and  we  obey  them:  yet  a  part  of  them  turneth  back,  after  this;  but 
these  are  not  really  believers.  And  when  they  are  summoned  before 
God  and  his  apostle,  that  he  may  judge  between  them;  behold,  a 
part  of  them  reti*°-  but  if  the  right  had  been  on  their  side,  they 


AL  KORAN.  193 

would  have  come  and  submitted  themselves  unto  him.  Is  there  an 
infirmity  in  their  hearts?  Do  the y  doubt?  Or  do  they  fear  lest  God 
and  his  apostle  act  unjustly  towards  them?  But  themselves  are  the 
unjust  doers.  The  saying  of  the  true  believers,  when  they  are  sum- 
moned before  God  and  his  apostle,  that  he  may  judge  between  them, 
is  no  other  than  that  they  say,  We  have  heard,  and  do  obey:  and 
these  are  they  who  shall  prosper.  Whoever  shall  obey  God  and  his 
apostle,  and  shall  fear  God,  and  shall  be  devout  toward  him ;  the?e 
shall  enjoy  great  felicity.  They  swear  by  God,  with  a  most  solemn 
oath,  that  "if  thou  commandest  them,  they  will  go  forth  from  their 
houses  and  possessions.  Say,  Swear  not  to  a  falsehood :  obedience  is 
more  requisite:  and  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that  which  ye  do. 
Say,  Obey  God,  and  obey  the  apostle:  but  if  ye  turn  back,  verily  it  is 
expected  of  him  that  he  perform  his  duty;  and  of  you  that  ye  perform 
your  duty;  and  if  ye  obey  him,  ye  shall  be  directed:  but  the  duty  of 
our  apostle  is  only  public  preaching.  God  promiseth  unto  such  of 
you  as  believe,  and  do  good  works,  that  he  will  cause  them  to  succeed 
the  unbelievers  in  the  earth,  as  he  caused  those  who  were  before  you 
to  succeed  the  infidels  of  their  time;  and  that  he  will  establish  for 
them  their  religion  which  pleaseth  them,  and  will  change  their  fear 
into  security.  They  shall  worship  me;  and  shall  not  associate  any 
other  with  me.  But  whoever  shall  disbelieve  after  this;  they  will  be 
the  wicked  doers.  Observe  prayer,  and  give  alms,  and  obey  the  apos- 
tle :  that  ye  may  obtain  mercy.  Think  not  that  the  unbelievers  shall 
frustrate;  the  designs  of  God  on  earth:  and  their  abode  hereafter  shall 
be  hell  fire;  a  miserable  journey  shall  it  be  thither!  O  true  believers, 
let  your  slaves  and  those  among  you  who  shall  not  have  attained  the 
age  of  puberty,  ask  leave  of  you,  before  they  come  into  your  presence, 
three  times  in  the  day ;  namely,  before  the  morning  prayer,  and  when 
ye  lay  aside  your  garments  at  noon,  and  after  the  evening  prayer. 
These  are  the  three  times  for  you  to  be  private:  it  shall  be  no  crime 
in  you,  or  in  them,  if  they  go  in  to  you  without  asking  permission  af- 
ter these  tines,  while  ye  are  in  frequent  attendance,  the  one  of  you  on 
the  other.  Thus  God  declareth  his  signs  unto  you;  for  God  is  know- 
ing and  wise.  And  when  your  children  attain  the  age  of  puberty,  let 
them  ask  leave  to  come  into  your  presence  at  all  times,  in  the  same 
manner  as  those  who  have  attained  that  age  before  them,  ask  leave. 
Thus  God  declareth  his  signs  unto  you;  and  God  is  knowing  and 
wise.  As  to  such  women  as  are  past  child-bearing,  who  hope  not  to 
marry  again,  because  of  their  advanced  age ;  it  shall  be  no  crime  in 
them,  if  they  lay  aside  their  outer  garments,  not  showing  their  orna- 
ments; but  if  they  abstain  from  this,  it  will  be  better  for  them.  God 
both  heareth  and  knowetl  It  shall  be  no  crime  in  the  blind,  nor  snail 
it  be  any  crime  in  the  lame,  neither  shall  it  be  any  crime  in  the  sick, 
or  in  yourselves,  that  ye  eat  in  your  houses,  or  in  the  house  of  your 
fathers,  or  in  the  houses  of  your  mothers,  or  in  the  houses  of  your 
brothers,  or  the  houses  of  your  sisters,  or  the  houses  of  your  uncles 


194  AT,  KORAN. 

on  the  father's  side,  or  the  houses  of  your  aunts  on  the  father's  side' 
or  the  houses  of  your  uncles  on  the  mother's  side,  or  the  houses  of 
your  aunts  on  the  mother's  side,  or  in  those  houses  the  keys  whereof 
ye  have  in  your  possession,  or  in  the  house  of  your  friend.  It  shall 
not  be  any  crime  in  you  whether  ye  eat  together,  or  separately.  And 
when  ye  enter  any  houses,  salute  one  another  on  the  part  of  God,  with 
a  blessed  and  a  welcome  salutation.  Thus  God  declareth  his  signs 
unto  you,  that  ye  may  understand.  Verily  they  only  are  true  believ 
ers,  who  believe  in  God  and  his  apostle,  and  when  they  are  assembled 
with  him  on  any  affair,  depart  not,  until  they  have  obtained  leave  of 
him.  Verily  they  who  ask  leave  of  thee,  are  those  who  believe  in 
God  and  his  apostle.  When  therefore  the}'  ask  leave  of  thee  to  depart, 
on  account  of  any  business  of  their  own,  grant  leave  unto  such  oi 
them  as  thou  shall  think  fit,  and  ask  pardon  for  them  of  God;  for  God 
is  gracious  and  merciful.  Let  not  the  calling  of  the  apostle  be  es- 
teemed among  you,  as  your  calling  the  one  to  the  other.  God  know- 
eth  such  of  you  as  privately  withdraw  themselves  from  the  assembly, 
taking  shelter  behind  one  mother.  But  let  those  who  withstand  his 
command,  take  heed;  lest  some  calamity  befall  them  in  this  world,  or 
a  grievous  punishment  be  inflicted  on  them  in  the  life  to  come.  Doth 
not  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth  belong  to  God?  He  we!', 
kuoweth  what  ye  are  about-  and  on  a  certain  day  they  shall  be  assem- 
bled betore  him ;  and  he  shall  declare  unto  them  that  which  they  have 
done;  for  God  knoweth  all  things. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

ENTITLED,  AL  FORKAX;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BLESSED  be  he  who  hath  revealed  the  Forkan  unto  his  servant,  that 
he  may  be  a  preacher  unto  all  creatures:  unto  whom  belongeth  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  and  of  earth:  who  hath  begotten  no  issue;  and 
hath  no  partner  in  his  kingdom:  who  hath  created  all  things;  and 
disposed  the  same  according  to  his  determinate  will.  Yet  have  they 
taken  other  gods  besides  him;  which  have  created  nothing,  but  ar«-. 
themselves  created,  and  are  able  neither  to  avert  evil  from,  nor  In 
procure  good  unto  themselves;  and  have  not  the  power  of  death,  or 
of  life,  or  of  raising  the  dead.  And  the  unbelievers  say,  This  Korau 
is  no  other  than  a  forgery  which  he  hath  contrived;  and  other  peop'i 
have  assisted  him  therein:  but  they  utter  an  unjust  thing,  and  a  false- 
hood. They  also  say,  These  are  fables  of  the  ancients,  which  he  hath 
caused  to  be  written  down ;  and  they  are  dictated  unto  him  morning 
and  evening.  Say,  He  hath  revealed  it,  who  knoweth  the  secrets  in 
heaven  and  earth:  verily  he  is  gracious  and  merciful.  And  they  say. 
What  kind  of  apostle  is  this?  He  eateth  food,  and  walketh  in  the 


AL  KORm  195 

streets,  as  we  do :  un^ss  an  angel  be  st-nt  dew  n  unto  him,  and  become 
a  fellow  preacher  with  him;  or  unless  a  treasure  be  cast  down  unto 
him;  or  lie  have  a  garden,  of  the  fruit  whereof  h<?  may  eat;  we  will 
not  believe.  The  ungodly  also  say.  Ye  follow  no  other  than  a  man 
who  is  distracted.  Behold,  what  they  liken  thee  unto.  But  they  are 
deceived;  neither  can  they  find  a  just  occasion  to  reproach  thee. 
Blessed  be  he,  who,  if  he  pleaseth,  will  make  for  thee  a  better  provi 
sion  than  this  which  they  speak  of,  namely,  gardens,  through  which 
rivers  flow;  and  he  will  provide  thee  palaces.  But  they  reject  tin 
belief  of  the  hour  of  judgment,  as  a  falsehood:  and  we  have  prepares 
for  him,  who  shall  reject  the  belief  of  that  hour,  burning  lire;  when 
it  shall  see  them  from  a  distant  place,  they  shall  hear  it  furious!" 
raging,  and  roaring.  And  when  they  shall  be  cast  bound  together 
into  a  strait  place  thereof,  they  shall  there  call  for  death:  but  it  shall 
be  answered  them.  Call  not  this  day  for  one  death,  but  call  for  many 
deaths.  Say,  Is  this  better,  or  a  garden  of  eternal  duration,  which  is 
promised  unto  the  pious?  It  shall  be  given  unto  them  for  a  reward, 
and  a  retreat-  thevein  shall  they  have  whatever  they  please;  continu- 
ing in  the  same  for  ever.  This  is  a  promise  to  be  demanded  at  the 
hands  of  thy  Lord.  On  a  certain  day  he  shall  assemble  them,  and 
whatever  they  worship,  besides  God;'  and  shall  say  unto  the  wor- 
shipped, Did  ye  seduce  these  my  servants;  or  did  'they  wander  of 
themselves  from  the  right  way?  They  shall  answer,  God  forbid!  It 
was  not  fitting  for  us,  that  we  should  trke  any  protectors  besides 
thee:  but  thou  didst  permit  them  and  their  fathers  to  enjoy  abun- 
dance; so  that  they  forgot  thy  admonition,  and  became  lost'people. 
And  God  shall  say  unto  their  worshippers,  Now  have  these  con- 
vinced you  of  falsehood,  in  that  which  ye  say:  they  can  neither  avert 
your  punishment,  nor  give  you  any  assistance.  And  whoever  of 
you  shall  be  guilty  of  injustice,  him  will  we  cause  to  taste  a  grievous 
torment.  AVe  have  sent  no  messengers  before  thee,  but  they  a'-1 
food,  and  walked  through  the  streets:  and  we  make  some  of  you 
an  occasion  of  trial  unto  others.  Will  ye  persevere  with  patience? 
since  your  Lord  regardeth  your  perseverance.  (XIX.)  They  who 
hope  not  to  meet  us  at  the  resurrection  say,  Unless  the  angels  bo 
sent  down  unto  us,  or  we  see  our  Lord  himself,  we  will  not  believe. 
Verily  they  behave  themselves  arrogantly;  and  have  transgressed 
with  an  enormous  transgression.  The  day  whereon  they  shall  see 
the  angels,  there  shall  be  no  glad  tidings  on  that  day  for  the  wicked; 
and  they  shall  say.  Be  this  removed  far  from  us!  and  we  will 
come  unto  the  w'ork  which  they  shall  have  wrought,  and  we 
will  make  it  as  dust  scattered  abroad.  On  that  day  sl.all  they 
who  are  destined  to  paradise  be  more  happy  in  an  abode,  and  have 
a  preferable  place  of  repose  at  noon.  On  that  day  the  heaven 
shall  be  cloven  in  sunder  by  the  clouds,  and  the  angels  shall  be 
sent  down,  descending  visibly  therein.  On  that  day  tne  king- 
dom shall  of  right  belong  wholly  unto  the  Merciful:  and  that  day 


196  AL- KORAN. 

ehall  be  grievous  for  the  unbelievers.  On  that  day,  the  unjust 
person  shall  bite  his  hands  for  anguish  and  despair,  and  shaft 
say,  O  that  I  had  taken  the  way  of  truth  with  the  apostle!  Alas  for 
vne!  O  that  I  had  not  taken  such  a  one  for  my  friend!  He  seduced 
me  from  the  admonition  of  God,  after  it  had  come  unto  me :  for  the 
devil  is  the  betrayer  of  man.  And  the  apostle  shall  say,  O  Lord, 
verily  my  people  esteemed  this  Koran  to  be  a  vain  composition.  In 
like  manner  did  we  ordain  unto  every  prophet  an  enemy  from  among 
the  wicked:  but  thy  Lord  is  a  sufficient  director,  and  defender.  The 
unbelievers  say,  Unless  the  Koran  be  sent  down  unto  him  entire  at 
once,  we  will  not  believe.  But  in  this  manner  have  we  revealed  it, 
that  we  might  confirm  thy  heart  thereby,  and  we  have  dictated  it 
gradually,  by  distinct  parcels.  They  shall  not  come  unto  thee  with 
any  strange  question;  but  we  will  bring  thee  the  truth  in  answer, 
and  a  most  excellent  interpretation.  They  who  shall  be  dragged  on 
their  xaces  into  hell,  shall  be  in  the  worst  condition,  and  shall  stray 
most  widely  from  the  way  of  salvation.  We  heretofore  delivered 
unto  Moses  the  book  of  the  law;  and  we  appointed  him  Aaron  his 
brother  for  a  counsellor  And  we  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  to  the 
people  who  charge  our  signs  with  falsehood.  And  we  dot  roved  them 
with  a  signal  destruction.  And  remember  the  people  of  Noah,  when 
they  accused  our  apostles  of  imposture:  we  drowned  tneni,  and 
made  them  a  sign  unto  mankind.  And  we  have  prepared  for  the 
unjust  a  painful  torment.  Remember  also  Ad,  and  Thamiid.  and 
those  who  dwelt  at  al  Rass;  and  many  other  generations,  within 
this  period.  Unto  each  of  them  did  we  propound  examples  for  their 
admonition;  and  each  of  them  did  we  destroy  with  an  utter  de- 
struction. The  Koreish  have  passed  frequently  near  t lie  city  which 
was  rained  on  by  a  fatal  rain,  have  they  not  seen  where  it  once 
stood?  Yet  have* they  not  dreaded  the  resurrection.  When  they  see 
thee,  they  will  receive  thee  only  with  scoffing,  saying,  Is  this  he,  whom 
God  hath  sent  as  his  apostle?  Verily  he  had  almost  drawn  us  aside 
from  the  worship  of  our  gods;  if  we  had  not  firmly  perservered  in  our 
devotion  towards  them.  But  they  shall  know  hereafter,  when  they 
shall  see  the  punishment  prepared  for  them,  who  hath  strayed  mere 
widely  from  the  right  path.  What  thinkest  thou?  He  who  taketh 
his  lust  for  his  god;  canst  thou  be  his  guardian?  Dost  thou  imagine 
that  the  greater  part  of  them  hear,  or  understand?  They  are  no 
other  than  like  the  brute  cattle;  yea,  they  stray  more  widely  from  the 
true  path.  Dost  thou  not  consider  the  works  of  thy  Lord,  ho\\  he 
stretcheth  forth  the  shadow  before  sunrise?  If  he  had  pleased,  he 
would  have  made  it  immovable  for  ever.  Then  we  cause  the  sun  to 
rise,  and  to  show  the  same;  and  afterwards  we  contract  it  by  an  easy 
and  gradual  contraction.  It  is  he  who  hath  ordained  the  night  to 
cover  you  as  a  garment;  and  sleep  to  give  you  rest;  and  hath  or 
dained  the  day  for  waking.  It  is  he  who  sendeth  the  winds,  driving 
abroad  the  pregnant  clouds,  as  the  forerunners  of  his  mercy:  and 


AL  KORAN.  197 

we  send  down  pure  water  from  heaven,  that  we  may  thereby  revive 
a  dead  country,  and  -five  to  drink  thereof  unto  what  we  have  created, 
both  of  cattle  and  nien,  in  great  numbers,  and  we  distribute  the 
-ume  among  them  at  various  times,  that  they  may  consider  •  but  the 
greater  part  of  men  refuse  to  consider,  only  out  of  ingratitude.  If 
we  had  pleased,  we  had  .sent  a  preacher  unto  every  city:  wherefore 
do  not  thou  obey  the  unbelievers  but  oppose  them  herewith,  with 
a  strong  opposition.  It  is  he  who  hath  let  loose  the  two  seas;  this 
fresh  and  sweet,  and  that  salt  and  bitter  and  hath  placed  between 
them  a  bar,  and  a  bound  which  cannot  be  passed.  It  is  he  who 
hath  created  man  of  water;  and  hath  made  him  to  bear  the  double 
relation  of  consanguinity  and  affinity:  for  the  Lord  is  powerful. 
They  worship,  besides  God,  that  which  can  neither  profit  them  nor 
hurt  them  and  the  unbeliever  is  an  assistant  of  the  devil  against  his 
Lord.  We  have  sent  thee  to  be  no  other  than  a  bearer  of  good 
tidings,  and  a  denouncer  of  threats.  Say,  I  ask  not  of  you  any 
reward  for  this  my  preaching^  besides  the  conversion  of  him  who 
shall  desire  to  take  the  way  unto  his  Lord.  And  do  thou  trust  in  him 
who  liveth,  and  dieth  not;  and  celebrate  his  praise:  (he  is  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  the  faults  of  his  servants:)  who  hath  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  whatever  is  between  them,  in  six  days;  and 
then  ascended  his  throne;  the  Merciful.  Ask  now  the  knowing  con- 
cerning him.  When  it  is  said  unto  the  unbelievers,  Auore  the  Merci- 
ful; they  reply,  And  who  is  the 'Merciful?  Shall  we  adore  that  which 
thou  commandest  us?  And  this  precept  causeth  them  to  fly  the  faster 
from  the  faith.  Blessed  be  he  who  hath  placed  the  twelve  signs  in 
the  heavens;  and  hath  placed  therein  a  lamp  by -day,  and  the  moon 
which  shincth  by  night!  It  is  he  who  hath  ordained  the  night  and 
the  day  to  (succeed  each  other,  for  the  observation  of  him  who  will 
consider,  or  desireth  to  show  his  gratitude.  The  servants  of  the 
Merciful  are  those  who  walk  meekly  on  the  earth,  .and,  when  the 
ignorant  speak  unto  them,  answer,  Peace:  and  who  pass  the  night 
adoring  their  Lord,  and  standing  up  to  pray  unto  him;  and  who  say, 
O  Lord,  avert  from  us  the  torment  of  hell,  for  the  torment  thereof 
is  perpetual:  verily  the  same  is  a  miserable  abode,  and  a  wretched 
station,  and  who,  when  they  bestow,  are  neither  profuse  nor  nig- 
gardly; but  observe  a  just  medium  between  these;  and  who  invoke 
ii'it  another  god  together  with  the  true  God;  neither  slay  the  soul, 
which  God  hath  forbidden  to  be  slain,  unless  for  a  just  cause:  and 
who  are  not  guilty  rf  fornication.  But  he  who  shall  do  this,  shall 
meet  the  reward  of  his  wickedness:  his  punishment  shall  be  doubled 
unto  him  on  the  day  of  resurrection;  and  he  shall  remain  therein, 
covered  with  ignominy,  for  ever:  except  him  who  shall  repent,  and 
believe,  and  shall  work  a  righteous  work;  unto  them  will  God  change 
their  former  evils  into  good;  for  God  is  ready  to  forgive,  and  merci- 
ful. And  whoever  repenteth,  and  doth  that  which  is  right;  verily 
be  turneth  unto  God  with  an  acceptable  conversion.  And  they  who 


198  AL  KORAN. 

do  not  bear  false  witness ;  and  when  they  pass  by  vain  discourse,  pass 
by  the  same  with  decency  and  who,  when  they  are  admonished  by 
the  signs  of  their  Lord,  fall  not  down  as  if  they  were  deaf  and  blind, 
but  stand  up  and  are  attentive  thereto:  and  who  say,  O  Lord,  grant 
us  of  our  wives  and  our  offspring  such  as  may  be  the  satisfaction  of 
our  eyes,  and  make  us  patterns  unto  those  who  fear  thee.  These 
shall  be  rewarded  with  the  highest  apartments  in  paradise,  because 
they  have  persevered  with  constancy;  and  they  shall  meet  therein 
with  greeting  and  salutation;  they  shall  remain  'in  the  same  for  ever: 
it  shall  be  an  excellent  abode  and  a  delightful  station.  Say,  My 
Lord  is  not  solicitous  on  your  account,  if  ye  do  not  invoke  him.  ye 
have  already  charged  his  apostle  with  imposture;  but  hereafter  shall 
there  be  a  lasting  punishment  inflicted  on  you. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

ENTITLED,  THE  POETS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME   OP  THE  MOST   MERCIFUL  OOD. 

T  S.  M.  These  are  the  signs  'of  the  perspicuous  book. 
venture  thou  afflictest  thyself  unto  death,  lest  the  Meccans  become 
not  true  believers.  If  we  pleased,  we  could  send  down  unto  them  a 
convincing  sign  from  heaven,  unto  which  their  necks  would  humbly 
submit.  But -there  cometh  unto  them  no  admonition  from  the  Mercii 
ful,  being  newly  revealed  as  occasions  require,  but  they  turn  aside 
from  the  same;  and  they  have  charged  it  with  falsehood:  but  a  mes- 
sage shall  come  unto  them,  which  they  shall  not  laugh  to  scorn.  Do 
they  not  behold  the  earth,  how  many  vegetables  we  cause  to  spring 
up  therein,  of  every  noble  species?  Verily  herein  is  a  sign:  but  the 
greater  part  of  them  do  not  believe.  Verily  thy  Lord  is  the  migl.ly, 
the  merciful  God.  Remember  when  thy  Lord  called  Moses,  saying, 
Go  to  the  unjust  people,  tiie  people  of  Pharaoh,  will  they  not  dread 
me?  Moses  answered,  O  Lord,  verily  I  fear  lest  they  accuse  me  of 
falsehood,  and  Jest  my  breast  become  straitened,  and  my  tongue  be 
not  ready  in  speaking:  send  therefore  unto  Aaron,  to  be  my  assistant. 
Also  they  have  a  crime  to  object  against  me;  and  I  fear  they  will 
•put  me  to  death.  God  said,  They  shall  by  no  means  put  thee 
to  death:  wherefore  go  ye  with  our  signs;  for  we  will  be  with 
you,  and  will  hear  what  passes  between  you  and  them.  Go  ye 
therefore  unto  Pharaoh,  and  say,  Verily  we  are  the  apostle  of  the 
Lord  of  all  creatures:  send  away  with  us  the  children  of  Israel.  And 
when  they  had  delivered  their  message,  Pharaoh  answered,  Have 
we  not  brought  thee  up  among  us,  when  a  child;  and  hast  thou  not 
dwelt  among  us  for  several  years  of  thy  life?  Yet  hast  thou  done  thy 
deed  which  thou  hast  done:  and  thou  art  an  ungrateful  person 
Moses  replied,  I  did  it  indeed,  and  I  was  one  of  those  who  erred, 


AL  KORAN.  109 

wherefore  I  fled  from  you,  because  I  feared  vou  •  out  my  Lord  hath 
bestowed  on  me  wisdom,  and  hath  appointed  me  one  of  his  apostles. 
A.nd  this  is  the  favour  which  thou  hast  bestowed  on  me,  that  thou 
hast  ens^ved  the  children  of  Israel.  Pharaoh  said,  And  who  is  the 
Lord  of  all  creatures?  Moses  answered,  The  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  of  whatever  is  between  them :  if  ye  are  men  of  sagacity. 
Pharaoh  said  unto  those  who  were  about  him,  Do  ye  not  hear? 
Moses  said,  Your  Lord,  and  the  Lord  of  your  forefathers.  Pharaoh 
said  unto  those  who  were  present,  Your  apostle,  who  is  sent  unto  you, 
is  certainly  distracted.  Moses  said,  The  Lord  of  the  east,  and  of  the 
west,  and  of  whatever  is  between  them;  if  ye  are  men  of  understand- 
ing. Pharaoh  said  unto  him,  Verily  if  thou  take  any  god  besides  me, 
I  will  make  thee  one  of  those  who  are  imprisoned.  Moses  answered, 
What,  although  I  come  unto  you  with  a  convincing  miracle?  Pharaoh 
replied,  Produce  it,  therefore,  if  thou  speakest  truth.  And  he  cast 
down  his  rod,  and  behold,  it  became  a  visible  serpent:  and  he 
drew  forth  his  hand  out  of  his  bosom;  and  behold,  it  appeared 
white  unto  the  spectators.  Pharaoh  said  unto  the  princes  who 
were  about  him,  Verily  this  man  is  a  skilful  magician:  he  seeketh 
to  dispossess  you  of  your  land  by  his  sorcery,  what  therefore  do  ye 
direct?  They  answered,  Delay  him  and  his  brother  by  good  words 
for  a  time ;  and  send  through  the  cities  men  to  assemble  and  bring 
unto  thee  every  skilful  magician.  So  the  magicians  were  assembled 
at  an  appointed  time,  on  a  solemn  day.  And  it  was  said  unto  the 
people,  Are  ye  assembled  together?  Perhaps  we  may  follow  the  ma- 
gicians, if  they  do  get  the  victory.  And  when  the  magicians  were 
come,  they  said  unto  Pharaoh,  Shall  we  certainly  receive  a  reward,  if 
we  do  get  the  victory?  He  answered,  Yea;  and  ye  shall  surely  be 
of  those  who  approach  my  person.  Moses  said  unto  them,  Cast  down 
what  ye  are  about  to  cast  down.  Wherefore  they  cast  down  their 
ropes  and  their  rods,  and  said,  By  the  might  of  Pharaoh,  verily  we 
shall  be  the  conquerors.  And  Moses  cast  down  his  rod,  and  behold, 
it  swallowed  up  that  which  they  had  caused  falsely  to  appear  changed 
into  serpents.  Whereupon  the  magicians  prostrated  themselves, 
worshipping,  and  said,  We  believe  in  the  Lord  of  all  creatures,  the 
Lord  of  Moses  and  of  Aaron.  Pharaoh  said  unto  them,  Have  ye  be- 
lieved on  him,  before  I  have  given  you  permission?  Verily  he  is 
your  chief,  who  hath  taught  3^011  magic:  but  hereafter  ye  shall  surely 
know  my  power.  I  will  cut  off  your  hands  and  your  feet,  on  the  op- 
posite sides,  and  I  will  crucify  you  all.  They  answered,  It  will  be 
no  harm  unto  us;  for  we  shall  return  unto  our  Lord.  We  hope  that 
our  Lord  will  forgive  us  our  sins,  since  we  are  the  first  who  have  be- 
lieved. And  we  spake  by  revelation  unto  Moses,  saying,  March 
forth  with  my  servants  by  night;  for  ye  will  be  pursued.  And 
Pharaoh  sent  officers  through  the  cities  to  assemble  forces,  saying, 
Verily  these  are  a  small  company;  and  they  are  enraged  against  us: 
but  we  are  a  multitude  well  provided.  So  we  caused  them  to  quit 


200  AL  KORAN. 

their  gardens,  and  fountains,  and  treasures,  and  Tair  dwellings:  thus 
did  we  do ;  and  we  made  the  children  of  Israel  to  inherit  the  same.  And 
they  pursued  them  at  sunrise.  And  when  the  two  Armies  were  come 
in  sight  of  each  other,  the  companions  of  Moses  said,  We  shall  surely 
be  overtaken.  Moses  answered,  By  no  means:  for  my  Lord  is  with 
me,  who  will  surely  direct  me.  And  we  commanded  Moses  by  reve- 
lation, saying,  Smite  the  sea  with  thy  rod.  And  when  he  had  smit- 
ten it,  it  became  divided  into  twelve  parts,  between  which  were  as 
many  paths,  and  every  part  was  like  a  vast  mountain.  And  we  drew 
thither  the  others;  and  we  delivered  Moses  and  all  those  who  were 
with  him :  then  we  drowned  the  others.  Verily  herein  was  a  sign , 
but  the  greater  part  of  them  did  not  believe.  Verily  thy  Lord  is  the 
mighty,  and  the  merciful.  And  rehearse  unto  them  the  story  of 
Abraham:  when  he  said  unto  his  father  and  his  people,  What  do  ye 
worship?  They  answered,  We  worship  idols;  and  we  constantly 
serve  them  all  the  day  long.  Abraham  said,  Do  they  hear  yon,  when 
ye  invoke  them?  Or  do  they  either  profit  you,  or  hurt  you?  They 
answered,  But  we  found  our  fathers  do  the  same.  He  said,  What 
think  ye?  Th'e  gods  which  ye  worship,  and  your  forefathers  wor- 
shipped, are  my  enemy:  except  only  the  Lord  of  all  creatures,  who 
hath  created  me  and  directeth  me;  and  who  giveth  me  to  eat  and  to 
drink,  and  when  I  am  sick,  healeth  me;  and  who  will  cause  me  to 
die,  and  will  afterwards  restore  me  to  life;  and  who,  I  hope,  will  for- 
give my  sins  on  the  day  of  judgment.  O  Lord,  grant  me  wisdom ;  and 
join  me  with  the  righteous;  and  grant  that  I  may  be  spoken  of  with 
honour  among  the  latest  posterity;  and  make  me  an  heir  of  the  garden 
of  delight:  and  forgive  my  father,  for  that  he  hath  been  one  of  th<»r 
who  go  astray.  And  cover  me  not  with  shame  on  the  day  of  resurrec- 
tion i  on  the  day  in  which  neither  riches  nor  children  shall  avail,  unless 
unto  him  who  shall  come  unto  God  with  a  sincere  heart :  when  paradise 
shall  be  brought  near  to  the  view  of  the  pious,  and  hell  shall  appear 
plainly  to  those  who  shall  have  erred;  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them, 
Where  are  your  deities  which  ye  served  besides  God?  will  they  de- 
liver you  from  punishment,  or  will  they  deliver  themselves?  "And 
they  shall  be  cast  into  the  same,  both  they,  and  those  who  have  been 
seduced  to  their  worship;  and  all  the  host  of  Eblis.  The  seduced 
shall  dispute  therein  with  their  false  gods,  saying,  By  God,  we  were 
in  a  manifest  error,  when  we  equalled  you  with  the  Lord  of  all  crea- 
tures: and  none  seduced  us  but  the  wicked.  We  have  now  no  inter- 
cessors, nor  any  friend  who  careth  for  us.  If  were  allowed  to  return 
once  more  into  the  world,  we  would  certainly  become  true  believers. 
Verily  herein  was  a  sign:  but  the  greater  part  of  them  believed  not. 
Thy  Lord  is  the  mighty,  the  merciful.  The  people  of  Xoah  accused 
God's  messengers  of  imposture :  when  their  brother  Noah  said  unto 
them,  Will  ye  not  fear  God?  Verily  I  am  a  faithful  messenger  unto 
you;  wherefore  fear  God,  and  obey  me.  I  ask  no  reward  of  you  for 
my  preaching  unto  you;  I  expert  my  reward  from  no  other  than  the 


AL  KORAN.  201 

Lord  of  all  creatures :  wherefore  fear  God,  and  obey  me.  They  an- 
swered, Shall  we  believe  on  thee,  when  only  the  most  abject  persona 
have  followed  thee?  Noah  said,  I  have  no  knowledge  of  that  which 
they  did ;  it  appertaineth  unto  my  Lord  alone  to  bring  them  to  account, 
if  ye  understand;  wherefore  I  will  not  drive  away  the  believers:  I  am 
no  more  than  a  public  preacher.  They  replied,  Assuredly,  unless 
Vhou  desist,  O  Xoah,  thou  shall  be  stoned.  He  said,  O  Lord,  verily 
my  people  take  me  for  a  liar:  wherefore  judge  publicly  between  me 
and  them ;  and  deliver  me  and  the  true  believers  who  are  with  me. 
AVherefore  we  delivered  him,  and  those  who  were  with  him,  in  the 
ark  filled  with  nun  and  animals;  and  afterwards  we  drowned  the 
rest.  Verily  herein  was  a  sign :  but  the  greater  part  of  them  believed 
not.  Thy  Lord  is  the  mighty,  the  merciful.  The  tribe  of  Ad  charged 
God's  messengers  with  falsehood:  when  their  brother  Hud  said  unto 
them,  Will  ye  not  fear  God?  Verily  I  am  a  faithful  messenger  unto 
you;  wherefore  fear  God,  and  obey  me.  I  demand  not  of  you  any 
reward  for  my  preaching  unto  you:  I  expect  my  reward  from  no 
other  than  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  Do  ye  build  a  landmark  on 
every  high  place,  to  divert  yourselves?  And  do  ye  erect  magnificent 
works,  hoping  that  ye  may  continue  in  their  possession  for  ever? 
And  when  ye  exercise  your  power,  do  ye  exercise  it  with  cruelty  and 
rigour?  Fear  God,  by  leaving  these  things;  and  obey  me.  And  fear 
him  who  hath  bestowed  on  you  that  which  ye  know :  he  hath  be- 
stowed on  you  cattle,  and  children,  and  gardens,  and  springs  of 
water.  Verily  I  fear  for  you  the  punishment  of  a  grievous  day. 
They  answered,  It  is  equal  unto  us  whether  thou  admonish  us,  or 
dost  not  admonish  us :  this  which  thou  preachest  is  only  a  device  of 
the  ancients;  neither  shall  we  be  punished  for  what  we  have  done. 
And  they  accused  him  of  imposture :  wherefore  we  destroyed  them. 
Verily  herein  was  a  sign:  but  the  greater  part  of  them  believed  not. 
Thy  Lord  is  the  mighty,  the  merciful.  The  tribe  of  Thamud  also 
charged  the  messengers  of  God  with  falsehood.  When  their  brother 
Saleh  said  unto  them,  WHl  ye  not  fear  God?  Verily  I  am  a  faithful 
messenger  unto  you:  wherefore  fear  God,  and  obey  me.  I  demand 
no  reward  of  you  for  my  preaching  unto  you;  I  expect  my  reward 
from  no  other  than  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  Shall  ye  be  left  for 
ever  secure  in  the  possession  of  the  things  which  are  here;  among 
gardens,  and  fountains,  and  corn,  and  palm-trees,  whose  branches 
sheathe  their  flowers?  And  will  ye  continue  to  cut  habitations  fof 
yourselves  out  of  the  mountains,  behaving  with  insolence?  Feat 
God,  and  obey  me;  and  obey  not  the  command  of  the  transgressors, 
who  act  corruptly  in  the  earth,  and  reform  not  the  same.  They  an- 
swered, Verily  thou  art  distracted-  thou  art  no  other  than  a  man  like 
unto  us:  produce  now  some  sign,  if  thou  speakest  truth.  Saleh  said, 
This  she-camel  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you:  she  shall  have  her  portion 
of  water,  and  ye  shall  have  your  portion  of  water  alternately,  on  a 
several  day  appointed  for  you;  and  do  her  no  hurt,  lest  the  punish- 


202  AL  KORAN. 

ment  of  a  terrible  day  be  Inflicted  on  you.  But  they  slew  her,  and 
were  made  to  repent  of  thoir  impiety:  for  the  punishment  which  had 
been  threatened  overtook  them.  Verily  herein  was  a  sign ;  but  the 
greater  part  of  them  did  not  believe.  Thy  Lord  is  the  mighty,  the 
merciful.  The  people  of  Lot  likewise  accused  God's  messengers  of 
imposture.  When  their  brother  Lot  said  unto  them,  Will  ye  not 
fear  God?  Verily  I  am  a  faithful  messenger  unto  you:  wherefore 
fear  God,  and  obey  me.  I  demand  no  reward  of  you  for  my  preach- 
ing :  I  expect  my  reward  from  no  other  than  the  Lord  of  all  crea- 
tures. Do  ye  approach  unto  the  males  among  mankind,  and  leave 
your  wives  which  your  Lord  hath  created  for  you?  Surely  ye  are 
people  who  transgress.  They  answered ;  unless  thou  desist,  O  Lot, 
thou  shalt  certainly  be  expelled  our  city.  He  said,  Verily  I  am 
one  of  those  who  abhor  your  doings:  O  Lord,  deliver  me  and  my 
family  from  that  which  they  act.  Wherefore  we  delivered  him, 
and  all  his  family;  except  an  old  woman,  his  wife,  who  perished 
among  those  who  remained  behind:  then  we  destroyed  the  rest; 
and  we  rained  on  them  a  shower  of  stones;  and  terrible  was  the 
shower  which  fell  on  those  who  had  been  warned  in  vain.  Verily 
herein  was  a  sign;  but  the  greater  part  of  them  did  not  believe. 
Thy  Lord  is  the  mighty,  the  merciful.  The  inhabitants  of  the 
wood  also  accused  God's  messengers  of  imposture.  When  Shoaib 
said  unto  them,  Will  ye  not  fear  God?  Verily  I  am  a  faithful 
messenger  unto  you:  wherefore  fear  God,  and  obey  me.  I  ask  no 
reward  of  you  for  my  preaching:  I  expect  my  reward  from  no  other 
than  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  Give  just  measure,  and  be  not  de- 
frauders;  and  weigh  with  an  equal  balance;  and  diminish  not  unto 
men  aught  of  their  matters;  neither  commit  violence  in  the  earth, 
acting  corruptly.  And  fear  him  who  hath  created  you.  and  also  the 
former  generations.  They  answered.  Certainly  thou  art  distracted: 
thou  art  no  more  than  a  man,  like  unto  us;  and  we  do  surely  esteem 
thee  to  be  a  liar.  Cause  now  a  part  of  the  heaven  to  fall  upon  us,  if 
thou  speakest  truth.  Shoaib  said,  My  Lord  best  knoweth  that  vhich 
ye  do.  And  they  charged  him  with  falsehood:  wherefore  the  punish- 
ment of  the  day  of  the  shadowing  cloud  overtook  them;  and  this 
was  the  punishment  of  a  grievous  day.  Verily  herein  was  a  sign; 
but  the  greater  part  of  them  did  not  believe.  Thy  Lord  is  The 
mighty,  the  merciful.  This  book  is  certainly  a  revelation  from  the 
Lord  of  all  creatures,  which  the  faithful  spirit  hath  caused  to  descend 
upon  thy  heart,  that  thou  mightest  be  a  preacher  to  thy  people,  in  the 
perspicuous  Arabic  tongue :  and  it  is  borne  witness  to  in  the  scriptures 
of  former  ages.  Was  it  not  a  sign  unto  them,  that  the  wise  men 
among  the  children  of  Israel  knew  it?  Had  we  revealed  it  unto  any 
of  the  foreigners,  and  he  had  read  the  same  unto  them,  yet  they 
would  not  have  believed  therein.  Thus  have  we  caused  obstinate 
infidelity  to  enter  the  hearts  of  the  wicked:  they  shall  not  believe 
therein,  until  they  see  a  painful  punishment.  It  shall  come  suddenly 


AL  KORAN.  203 

upon  them,  and  they  shall  not  foresee  it:  and  they  shall  say,  Shall  we 
be  respited ?  Do  they  therefore  desire  our  punishment  to  be  hastened ? 
What  thinkest  thou?  If  we  suffer  them  to  enjoy  the  advantage  of 
this  life  for  several  years,  and  afterwards  that  with  which  they  are 
threatened  come  upon  them;  what  will  that  which  they  have  enjoyed 
profit  them?  We  have  destroyed  no  city,  but  preachers  were  first 
sent  unto  it,  to  admonish  the  inhabitants  thereof;  neither  did  we  treat 
them  unjustly.  The  devils  did  not  descend  with  the  Koran,  as  the 
infidels  give  out:  it  is  not  for  their  purpose,  neither  are  they  able  to 
produce  such  a  book;  for  they  are  far  removed  from  hearing  the  dis- 
course  of  the  angels  in  heaven.  Invoke  no  other  god  with  the  true 
God,  lest  thou  become  one  of  those  who  are  doomed  to  punishment. 
And  admonish  thy  more  near  relations.  And  behave  thyself  with 
meekness  towards  the  true  believers  who  follow  thee :  and  if  they  be 
disobedient  unto  thee,  say,  Verily  I  am  clear  of  that  which  ye  do. 
And  trust  in  the  most  mighty,  the  merciful  God;  who  seeth  thee 
when  thou  risest  up,  and  thy  behaviour  among  those  who  worship; 
f  :>r  he  both  heareth  and  knoweth.  Shall  I  declare  unto  you  upon 
whom  the  devils  descend?  They  descend  upon  every  lying  and 
wicked  person:  they  learn  what  is  heard;  but  the  greater  part  of 
them  are  liars.  And  those  who  err  follow  thev  steps  of  the  poets: 
dost  thou  not  see  that  they  rove  as  bereft  of  their  senses  through 
every  valley,  and  that  they  say  that  which  they  do  not?  except  those 
who  believe,  and  do  good  works,  and  remember  God  frequently ;  and 
who  defend  themselves,  after  they  have  been  unjustly  treated.  And 
they  who  act  unjustly  shall  know  hereafter,  with  what  treatment 
they  shall  be  treated. 


CHAPTER  XXVH. 

ENTITLED,    THE  AXT;    REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

T.  S.  TJiese  are  the  signs  of  the  Koran,  and  of  the  perspicuous 
book-,  a  direction,  and  good  tidings  unto  the  true  believers;  who 
regularly  perform  their  prayer,  and  give  alms,  and  firmly  believe  in 
the  life  to  come.  As  to  those  who  believe  not  in  the  life  to  come,  we 
have  prepared  their  works  for  them ;  and  they  shall  be  struck  with 
astonishment  at  their  disappointment,  when  they  shall  be  raised 
again;  these  are  they  whom  an  evil  punishment  awaiteth  in  this  life; 
and  in  that  which  is  to  come  they  shall  be  the  greatest  losers.  Thou 
hast  certainly  received  the  Koran  from  the  presence  of  a  wise,  a 
knowing  God.  Remember  when  Moses  said  unto  his  family,  Verily 
I  perceive  fire:  I  will  bring  you  tidings  thereof,  or  I  will  bring  you 
a  lighted  brand,  that  ye  may  be  warmed.  And  when  he  was  come 
near  unto  it,  a  voice  cried  unto  him,  saying,  Blessed  be  he  who  is  in 


204  AL  KORAN. 

the  fire,  and  whoever  is  about  it ;  and  praise  be  unto  God,  the  Lord 
of  all  creatures!  O  Moses,  verily  I  am  God,  the  might}-,  the  wise: 
cast  down  now  thy  rod.  And  when  he  saw  it,  that  it  moved,  as 
though  it  had  been  a  serpent,  he  retreated  and  fled,  aad  returned  not. 
And  God  said,  O  Moses,  fear  not;  for  my  messengers  are  not  dis- 
turbed with  fear  in  my  sight:  except  he  who  shall  have  done  amiss, 
and  shall  have  afterwards  substituted  good  in  lieu  of  evil;  for  I  am 
gracious  and  merciful.  Moreover  put  thy  hand  into  thy  bosom;  it 
shall  come  forth  white,  without  hurt:  this  shall  be  one  among  the 
nine  signs  unto  Pharaoh  and  his  people;  for  they  are  a  wicked  peo-. 
pie.  And  when  our  visible  signs  had  come  unto  them,  they  said, 
This  is  manifest  sorcery.  And  they  denied  them,  although  their 
souls  certainly  knew  them  to  be  from  God,  out  of  iniquity  and  pride: 
but  behold  what  was  the  end  of  the  corrupt  doers.  We  heretofore 
bestowed  knowledge  on  David  and  Solomon;  and  they  said.  Prai-cbc 
unto  God,  who  hath  made  us  more  excellent  than  many  of  his  faith- 
ful servants!  And  Solomon  was  David's  heir;  and  he  said,  O  men, 
we  have  been  taught  the  speech  of  birds,  and  have  had  all  things 
bestowed  on  us;  this  is  manifest  excellence.  And  his  armies 
•were  gathered  together  unto  Solomon,  consisting  of  genii,  and 
men,  and  birds;  and  they  were  led  in  distinct  bands,  until  they 
came  unto  the  valley  of  ants.  And  an  ant,  feeing  the  hosts  ap- 

E reaching,  said,  O  ants,  enter  ye  into  your  habitations,  lest 
olomon  and  his  army  tread  you  underfoot,  and  perceive  it  not. 
And  Solomon  smiled,  laughing  at  her  words,  and  said,  O  Lord, 
excite  me  that  I  may  be  thankful  for  thy  favour,  wherewith  thou 
hast  favoured  me,  and  my  parents;  and  that  I  may  do  that  which  is 
right,  and  well-pleasing  unto  thee:  and  introduce  me,  through  thy 
mercy,  into  paradise,  among  thy  servants,  the  righteous.  And  he 
viewed  the  birds,  and  said,  What  is  the  reason  that  I  see  not  -the 
lapwing?  Is  she  absent?  Verily  I  will  chastise  her  with  a  M.-VC re- 
chastisement,  or  I  will  put  her  to  death,  unless  she  bring  me  a  just 
excuse.  And  she  tarried  not  long  before  she  presented  herself  unto 
Solomon,  and  said,  I  have  viewed  a  country  which  thou  hast  not 
viewed;  and  I  come  unto  thee  from  Saba,  with  a  certain  piece  of 
news.  I  found  a  woman  to  reign  over  them,  who  is  provided  with 
everything  requisite  for  a  prince,  and  hath  a  magnificent  throne. 
I  found  her  and  her  people  to  worship  the  sun,  besides  God:  and 
Satan  hath  prepared  their  works  for  them,  and  hath  turned  them 
aside  from  the  way  of  truth  (wherefore  they  are  not  rightly  directed), 
lest  they  should  worship  God,  who  bringeth  to  light  that  which  is 
hidden  in  heaven  and  earth,  and  knoweth  whatever  they  conceal  and 
whatever  they  discover.  God!  there  is  no  God  but  he;  the  Lord  of 
the  magnificent  throne.  Solomon  saul,  We  shall  see  whether  thou 
hast  spoken  the  truth,  or  whether  thou  art  a  liar.  Go  with  this  my 
letter,  and  cast  it  down  unto  them ;  then  turn  aside  from  them,  and 
wait  to  know  what  answer  they  will  return.  And  when  the  queen  of 


AL  KORAU.  205 

Saba  had  received  the  letter,  she  said,  O  nobies,  verily  an  honourable 
letter  hath  been  delivered  unto  me;  it  is  from  Solomon,  and  this  is 
the  tenour  thereof:  In  the  name  of  the  most  merciful  God,  Rise  not 
up  against  me :  but  come,  an  d  surrender  yourselves  unto  me.  She 
said,  O  nobles,  advise  me  in  my  business:  I  will  not  resolve  on  any- 
thing, until  ye  be  witnesses  and  approve  thereof.  The  nobles  answer- 
ed, We  are  endued  with  strength,  and  are  endued  with  great  prowess 
in  war;  but  the  command  appertaineth  unto  thee:  see  therefore  what 
thou  wilt  command.  She  said,  Verily  kings,  when  they  enter  a  city 
oy  force,  waste  the  same,  and  abase  the  most  powerful  of  the  inhabi- 
tants hereof:  and  so  will  these  do  with  us.  But  I  will  send  gifts  unto 
them;  and  will  wait  for  what  farther  information  those  who  shall  be 
sent  shall  bring  back.  And  when  the  queen's  ambassador  came  unto 
Solomon,  that  prince  said,  Will  ye  present  me  with  riches?  Verily, 
that  which  God  hath  given  me,  is  better  than  what  he  hath  given  you: 
but  ye  do  glory  in  your  gifts.  Return  unto  the  people  of  Saba.  We 
will  surely  come  unto  them  with  forces,  which  they  shall  not  be  able 
to  withstand;  and  we  will  drive  them  out  from  their  city,  humbled; 
and  they  shall  become  contemptible.  And  Solomon  said,  O  nobles, 
which  of  you  will  bring  unto  roe  her  throne,  before  they  come  and 
surrender  themselvee  unto  me?  A  terrible  genius  answered,  I  will 
bring  it  unto  thee,  before  thou  arise  from  thy  place:  for  I  am  able  to 
perform  it,  and  may  be  trusted.  And  one  with  whom  was  the 
knowledge  of  the  scriptures  said,  I  will  bring  it  unto  thee,  in  thf 
twinkling  of  an  eye.  And  when  Solomon  saw  the  throne  placed 
before  him,  he  said,  This  is  a  favour  of  my  Lord,  that  he  may  make 
trial  of  me,  whether  I  will  be  grateful,  or  whether  I  will  be  ungrateful : 
and  he  who  is  grateful,  is  grateful  to  his  own  advantage,  but  if  any 
shall  l;e  ungrate ful,  verily  my  Loi'd  is  self-sufficient  and  munificent. 
And  Solomon  said  unto  his  servants,  Alter  her  throne,  that  she  may 
not  know  it,  to  the  end  we  may  see  whether  she  be  rightly  directed, 
or  whether  she  be  one  of  those  who  are  not  rightly  directed.  An^ 
when  she  was  come  unto  Solomon,  it  was  said  unto  her,  Is  thy  throne 
like  this?  She  answered,  As  though  it  were  the  same.  And  we  have 
had  knowledge  bestowed  on  us  before  this,  and  have  been  resigned 
unto  God.  But  that  which  she  worshipped,  besides  God,  had  turned 
iier  aside  from  the  truth;  for  she  was  of  an  unbelieving  people.  It 
was  said  unto  her,  Enter  the  palace.  And  when  she  saw  it,  she  im- 
agined it  to  be  a  great  water;  and  she  discovered  her  legs,  by  lifting 
up  her  robe  to  pass  through  it.  Whereupon  Solomon  said  unto  her, 
Verily  this  is  a  palace  evenly  floored  with  glass.  Then  said  the  queen, 
O  Lord,  verily  I  have  dealt  unjustly  with  my  own  soul;  and  I  resign 
myself,  together  with  Solomon,  unto  God,  the  Lord  of  all  creatures. 
Also  we  heretofore  sent  unto  the  tribe  of  Thamud  their  brother  Saleh; 
who  said  unto  them,  Serve  ye  God.  And  behold  they  were  divided 
into  two  parties,  who  disputed  among  themselves.  Saleh  said,  O 
my  people,  why  do  you  hasten  evil  rather  than  good?  Unless  ye  ask 


206  AL  KORAN. 

pardon  of  God,  that  ye  may  obtain  mercy,  ye  are  lost.  They  answered 
We  presage  evil  from  thee,  and  from  those  who  are  with  thee.  Saleh 
replied,  The  evil  which  ye  presage  is  with  God:  but  ye  are  a  people 
who  are  proved  by  a  vicissitude  of  prosperity  and  adversity.  And 
diere  were  nine  men  in  the  city,  who  acted  corruptly  in  the  earth, 
and  behaved  not  with  integrity.  And  they  said  unto  one  another, 
Swear  ye  reciprocally  by  God,  that  we  will  fall  upon  Saleh  and  his 
family  by  night :  and  afterwards  we  will  say  unto  him  who  hath  right 
jto  avenge  his  biood,  We  were  not  so  much  as  present  at  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  family;  a"d  we  certainly  speak  the  truth.  And  they  de- 
vised a  plot  against  him :  but  we  devised  a  plot  against  them ;  and 
they  perceived  it  not.  And  see  what  was  the  issue  of  their  plot:  we 
utterly  destroyed  them  and  their  whole  people;  and  these  their  habi- 
tations remain  empty,  because  of  the  injustice  which  they  committed 
Verily  herein  is  a  sign,  unto  people  who  understand.  And  we  de- 
livered those  who  believed  and  feared  God.  And  remember  Lot, 
when  he  said  unto  his  people,  Do  ye  commit  a  wickedness,  though 
ye  see  the  heinousness  thereof?  Do  ye  approach  lustfully  unto  men, 
leaving  the  women?  Ye  are  surely  an  ignorant  people.  (XX.)  But 
the  answer  of  his  people  was  no  other  than  that  they  said.  Cast  the 
family  of  Lot  out  of  your  city :  for  they  are  men  who  preserve  them- 
selves pure  from  the  crimes  of  which  ye  are  guilty.  Wherefore  we 
delivered  him  and  his  family,  except  his  wife,  whom  we  decreed  to 
be  one  of  those  who  remained  behind  to  be  destroyed.  And  we 
rained  on  them  a  shower  of  stones:  and  dread  fu7  was  the  shower 
which  fell  on  those  who  had  been  warned  in  vain.  Say,  Praise  be 
unto  God;  and  peace  be  upon  his  servants  whom  he  hath  chosen!  Is 
God  more  worthy,  or  the  false  gods  which  they  associate  with  him? 
Is  not  he  to  be  preferred,  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  and  sendeth  down  rain  for  you  from  heaven,  whereby  we  cause 
delicious  groves  to  spring  up?  It  is  not  in  your  power  to  cause  the 
trees  thereof  to  shoot  forth.  Is  there  any  other  god  partner  with  the 
true  God?  Verily  these  are  a  people  who  deviate  from  the  truth.  Is 
not  he  more  worthy  to  be  adored  who  hath  established  the  earth,  and 
hath  caused  rivers  to  flow  through  the  midst  thereof,  and  placed 
thereon  immovable  mountains,  and  set  a  bar  between  the  two  seas? 
Is  there  any  other  god  equal  with  the  true  God?  Yet  the  greater  part 
of  them  know  it  not.  Is  not  he  more  worthy  who  heareth  the  afflicted, 
when  he  calleth  upon  him,  and  taketli  off  ih^  evil  which  distressed 
him;  and  who  hath  made  you  the  successors  of  your  forefathers  in 
the  earth?  Is  there  any  other  god  who  can  be  equalled  with  the 
true  God?  How  i.^w  consider  these  things!  Is  not  he  more  worthy 
who  directeth  you  in  the  dark  paths  of  the  land  and  of  the  sea;  and 
who  sendeth  the  winds  driving  abroad  the  clouds  as  the  forerunners 
of  his  mercy?  Is  there  any  other  god  who  can  be  equalled  with  the 
true  God?  Far  be  God  from  having  those  partners  in  his  power, 
which  ye  associate  with  him!  Is  not  he  more  worthy,  who  pro- 


AL  KORAN.  207 

ducetli  a  creature,  and  after  it  hath  been  dead  restoreth  it  to  life,  and 
•who  giveth  you  food  from  heaven  and  earth?  Is  there  any  other 
god  with  the  true  God,  who  doth  this?  Say,  Produce  yuui 
proof  thereof,  if  ye  speak  truth.  Say,  None  cither  in  heaven  or 
earth  knoweth  that  which  is  hidden,  hesides  God:  neither  do  they 
understand  when  they  shall  be  raised.  However  their  knowledge 
attaiueth  some  notion  of  the  life  to  come:  yet  they  are  in  an  uncer 
tainty  concerning  the  same;  yea,  they  are  blind  as  to  the  real  circum- 
stances thereof.  And  the  unbelievers  say,  When  we  and  our  fathers 
shall  have  been  reduced  to  dust,  shall  we  be  taken  forth  from  the 
irrav,-?  Verily  we  have  been  threatened  with  this,  both  we  and  our 
fathers,  heretofore.  This  is  no  other  than  fables  of  the  ancients.  Say 
unto  them.  Pass  through  the  earth,  and  see  what  hath  been  the  end 
of  the  wicked.  And  be  not  thou  grieved  for  them;  neither  be  thoti 
in  any  concern  on  account  of  the  plots  which  they  are  contriving 
against  thee.  And  they  say,  When  will  this  threat  be  accomplished, 
if  ye  speak  true?  Answer,  Peradveuture  some  part  of  that  punish 
ment,  which  ye  desire  to  be  hastened,  may  follow  close  behind  you; 
verily  thy  Lord  is  endued  with  indulgence  towards  mankind;  but  the 
greater  part  of  them  are  not  thankful.  Verily  thy  Lord  knowetli 
what  their  breasts  conceal,  and  what  they  discover  •  and  there  is  noth 
ing  hidden  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  but  it  is  written  in  a  clear  book. 
Verily  this  Koran  declareth  unto  the  children  of  Israel  most  of  those 
points  concerning  which  they  disagree-  and  it  is  certainly  a  direction, 
and  a  mercy  unto  the  true  believers.  Thy  Lord  will  decide  the  con 
troversy  between  them,  by  his  definitive  sentence  and  he  is  the 
mighty'  the  wise.  Therefore  put  thy  trust  in  God;  for  thou  art  in 
the  manifest  truth.  Verily  thou  shall  not  make  the  dead  to  hear, 
neither  shall  thou  make  the  deaf  to  hear  thy  call  to  the  true  faith, 
when  they  retire  and  turn  their  backs-  neither  shall  thou  direct  the 
blind  to  extricate  themselves  out  of  their  error.  Thou  shall  make 
none  to  hear  thee,  except  him  who  shall  believe  in  our  signs:  and 
they  are  wholly  resigned  unto  us.  When  the  sentence  shall  be  ready 
to  fall  upon  them,  we  will  cause  a  beast  to  come  forth  unto  then? 
from  out  of  the  earth,  which  shall  speak  unto  them:  verily  men  do 
not  firmly  believe  in  our  signs.  On  the  day  of  resurrection  we  wih 
assemble,  out  of  every  nalion,  a  company  of  Ihose  who  shall  have 
charged  our  signs  with  falsehood;  and  they  shall  be  prevented  from 
mixing  together,  until  they  shall  arrive  at  the*place  of  judgment. 
And  God  shall  say  unto  them.  Have  ye  charged  my  signs  with  false- 
hood, although  ye  comprehended  them  not  with  your  knowledge? 
Or  what  is  it  that  ye  were  doing?  And  the  sentence  of  damnation 
shall  fall  on  them,  for  lhat  they  have  acted  unjustly  and  they  shall 
not  speak  in  their  own  excuse.  Do  they  not  see  that  we  have 
ordained  the  night,  that  they  may  rest  therein,  and  the  day  giving 
open  light?  Verily  herein  are  signs  unto  people  who  believe.  On 
that  day  the  trumpet  shall  be  sounded ;  and  whoever  are  in  heaven 


208  AL  KORAN. 

and  on  earth  shall  be  struck  with  terror,  except  those  whom  God 
shalt  please  to  exempt  therefrom-  and  all  shall  come  before  him,  in 
humble  guise.  And  thou  shalt  see  the  mountains,  and  shalt  think 
them  firmly  fixed;  but  they  shall  pass  away,  even  as  the  clouds  pass 
away.  This  will  be  the  work  of  God,  who  hath  rightly  disposed  all 
things:  and  he  is  well  acquainted  with  that  which  ye  do.  Whcever 
shalfhave  wrought  righteou-iic^s.  shall  receive  a  reward  beyond  the 
di-sert  thereof;  and  they  shall  be  secure  from  the  terror  of  that  day; 
but  whoever  shall  have  wrought  evil,  shall  be  thrown  on  their  faces 
into  hell  fire.  Shall  ye  receive  the  reward  of  any  other  than  of  that 
which  ye  shall  have  wrought?  Verily  I  am  commanded  to  worsh-p 
the  Lord  of  this  territory  of  Mecca,  who  hath  sanctified  the  san.  /; 
unto  him  belong  all  things.  And  I  am  commanded  to  be  a  Moslem, 
and  to  rehearse  the  Koran:  he  who  shall  be  directed  thereby,  will  l>e 
directed  to  his  own  advantage;  and  to  him  who  shall  go  astray,  say. 
Verily  I  am  a  warner  only.  And  say,  Praise  be  unto  God !  he  will 
show  you  his  signs,  and  ye  shall  know  them :  and  thy  Lord  is  not 
regardless  of  that  which  they  do. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

ENTITLED,    THE   STORY;     REVEALED    AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

T.  S.  M.  These  are  the  signs  of  the  perspicuous  book  "We  will 
dictate  unto  thee,  O  Mohammed,  some  parts  of  the  history  of  Moses 
and  Pharaoh,  with  truth;  for  the  sake  of  people  who  believe.  Xo\v 
Pharaoh  lifted  himself  up  in  the  land  of  Egypt;  and  he  caused  his 
subjects  to  be  divded  into  parties:  he  weakened  one  party  of  them, 
hv  slaying  their  male  children,  and  preserving  their  females  alive;  for 
he  was  an  oppressor.  And  we  were  minded  to  be  gracious  unto  those 
who  were  weakened  in  the  land,  and  to  make  them  models  of  religion; 
and  to  make  them  the  heirs  of  the  wealth  of  Pharaoh  and  his  people, 
and  to  establish  a  place  for  them  in  the  earth;  and  to  show  Pharaoh, 
and  Haman,  and  their  forces,  that  destruction  of  their  kingdom  and 
nation  by  them,  which  they  sought  to  avoid.  And  we  directed  the 
mother  of  Moses  by  revelation,  saying,  Give  him  suck:  and  if  thou 
fearest  for  him,  cast  him  into  the  river;  and  fear  not.  neither  be 
afflicted;  for  we  will  restore  him  unto  thee;  and  we  will  appoint  him 
one  of  our  apostles.  And  when  she  had  put  the  child  in  the  ark,  and 
had  cast  it  into  the  river,  the  family  of  Pharaoh  took  him  up;  provi- 
dence designing  that  he  should  become  an  enemy  and  a  sorrow  unto 
them.  Verily  Pharaoh,  and  Haman,  and  their  forces  were  sinners 
And  the  wife  of  Pharaoh  said,  This  child  is  a  delight  of  the  eye  to 
me  and  to  thee:  kill  him  not;  peradventure  it  may  happen  that  he 
uu».v  be  serviceable  unto  us;  or  we  may  adopt  him  for  our  sou.  And 


AL  KORAN.  209 

they  perceived  not  the  consequence  of  what  they  were  doing.  And 
the  heart  of  the  mother  of  Moses  became  oppressed  with  fear;  and 
she  had  almost  discovered  him,  had  we  not  armed  her  heart  with  con- 
stancy, that  she  might  be  one  of  those  who  believe  the  promises  of 
God.  And  she  said  unto  his  sister,  Follow  him.  And  she  watched 
him  at  a  distance;  and  they  perceived  it  not.  And  we  suffered  him 
not  to  take  the  breasts  of  the  nurses  who  were  provided  before  his 
sister  came  up .  and  she  said,  Shall  I  direct  you  unto  some  of  his 
nation,  who  may  nurse  him  for  you,  and  win  be  careful  of  him? 
And,  at  their  desire,  she  brought  his  mother  to  them.  So  we  restored 
him  to  his  mother,  that  her  mind  might  be  set  at  ease,  and  that  she 
might  not  be  afflicted;  and  that  she  might  know  that  the  promise  of 
God  was  true:  but  the  greater  part  of  mankind  know  not  the  truth. 
And  vhen  Moses  had  attained  his  age  of  full  strength,  and  was  be- 
come a  perfect  man,  we  bestowed  on  him  wisdom  and  knowledges 
and  thus  do  we  reward  the  upright.  And  he  went  into  the  city,  at  a 
time  when  the  inhabitants  thereof  observed  not  what  passed  in  the 
streets:  and  he  found  therein  two  men  fighting;  the  one  being  of  his 
own  party,  and  the  other  of  his  enemies.  And  he  who  was  of  his 
party,  begged  his  assistance  against  him  who  was  of  the  contrary 
party ;  and  Moses  struck  him  with  his  fist,  and  slew  him :  but  being 
sorry  for  what  had  happened,  he  said,  This  is  of  the  work  of  the 
devil ;  for  he  is  a  seducing  and  an  open  enemy.  And  he  said,  O  Lord, 
verily  I  have  injured  my  own  soul :  wherefore  forgive  me.  So  God 
forgave  him ;  for  he  is  ready  to  forgive,  and  merciful.  He  said,  O 
Lord,  by  the  favours  with  which  thou  hast  favoured  me,  I  will  not 
be  an  assistant  to  the  wicked  for  the  future.  And  the  next  morning 
he  was  afraid  in  the  city,  and  looked  about  him,  as  one  apprehensive 
of  danger:  and  behold,  he  whom  he  had  assisted  the  day  before, 
cried  out  unto  him  for  help  a  second  time.  But  Moses  said  unto  him, 
Thou  art  plainly  a  quarrelsome  fellow.  And  when  he  sought  to  lay 
hold  on  him  who  was  an  enemy  unto  them  both,  he  said,  O  Moses, 
dost  thou  intend  to  kill  me,  as  thou  killedst  a  man  yesterday?  Thou 
seekest  only  to  be  an  oppressor  in  the  earth,  and  seekest  not  to  be  a 
reconciler  of  quarrels.  And  a  certain  man  came  from  the  farther 
part  of  the  city,  running  hastily,  and  said,  O  Moses,  verily  the  magis- 
trates are  deliberating  concerning  thee,  to  put  thee  to  death:  depart 
therefore;  I  certainly  advise  thee  well.  Wherefore  he  departed  out 
Df  the  city  in  great  fear,  looking  this  way  and  that,  lest  he  should  be 
pursued.  And  he  said,  O  Lord,  deliver  me  from  the  unjust  people. 
And  when  he  was  journeying  towards  Madian,  he  said,  Peradventure 
my  Lord  will  direct  me  in  the  right  way.  And  when  he  arrived  at 
the  water  of  Madian,  he  found  about  the  well  a  company  of  men, 
who  were  watering  their  flocks.  And  he  found,  besides  them,  two 
women,  who  kept  off  their  sheep  at  a  distance.  And  he  said  unto 
them,  What  is  the  matter  with  you?  They  answered,  We  shall  not 
water  our  flock,  until  the  shepherds  shall  have  driven  away  theirs; 


210 

for  our  father  is  an  Old  man,  stricken  in  years.  So  Moses  watered 
their  sheep  for  them ;  and  afterwards  retired  to  the  shade.  saying,  0 
Lord,  verily  I  stand  in  need  of  the  good  which  thou  shalt  send  down 
unto  me.  And  one  of  the  damsels  came  unto  him,  walking  bashfully, 
and  said,  My  father  calleth  thee,  that  he  may  recompense  thee  for  the 
trouble  which  thou  hast  taken  in  watering  our  sheep  for  us.  And 
when  he  was  come  unto  Shoaib,  and  had  told  him  the  story  of  his 
adventures,  he  said  unto  him,  Fear  not ;  thou  hast  escaped  from  un- 
just people.  And  one  of  the  damsels  said.  My  father,  hire  him  for 
certain  wages:  the  best  servant  thou  canst  hire,  is  an  able  and  trusty 
person.  And  Shoaib  said  unto  Moses,  Verily  I  will  give  thee  one  of 
these  my  two  daughters  in  marriage,  on  condition  that  thou  serve 
me  for  hire  eight  years:  and  if  thou  fulfil  ten  years,  it  is  in  thine  own 
breast;  for  I  seek  not  to  impose  a  hardship  on  thee:  and  thou  shalt 
find  me,  if  God  please,  a  man  of  probity.  Moses  answered,  Let  this 
be  the  covenant  between  me  and  thee:  whichsoever  of  the  two  terms 
I  shall  fulfil,  let  it  be  no  crime  in  me  if  I  then  quit  thy  service;  and 
God  is  witness  of  that  which  we  say.  And  when  Moses  had  fulfilled 
the  term,  and  was  journeying  with  his  family  towards  Egypt,  he  saw 
fire  on  the  side  of  Mount  Sinai.  And  he  said  unto  his  family,  Tarry 
ye  here;  for  I  see  fire;  peradventure  I  may  bring  you  thence  some 
tidings  of  the  way,  or  at  least  a  brand  out  of  the  fire,  that  ye  may 
be  warmed.  And  when  he  was  come  thereto,  a  voice  cried  unto  him 
from  the  right  side  of  the  valley,  in  the  sacred  bottom,  from  the  tree,  say- 
ing, O  Moses,  verily  I  am  God.  the  Lord  of  all  creatures:  cast  down  now 
thy  rod.  And  when  he  saw  it  that  it  moved,  as  though  it  had  been  a 
serpent,  he  retreated  and  fled,  and  returned  not.  And  God  said  unto 
him,  O  Moses,  draw  near,  and  fear  not ;  for  thou  art  safe.  Put  thy  hand 
into  thy  bosom,  and  it  shall  come  forth  white,  without  any  hurt :  and 
draw  back  thy  hand  unto  thee  which  thou  stretchest  forth  for  fear. 
These  shall  be  two  evident  signs  from  thy  Lord,  unto  Pharaoh  and  his 
princes;  for  they  are  a  wicked  people.  Moses  said,  O  Lord,  verily  I 
have  slain  one  of  them;  and  I  fear  they  will  put  me  to  death:  but  my 
brother  Aaron  is  of  a  more  eloquent  tongue  than  I  am ;  wherefore  send 
him  with  me  for  an  assistant,  that  he  may  gain  me  credit;  for  I  fear 
lest  they  accuse  me  of  imposture.  God  said,  We  will  strengthen  thine 
arm  by  thy  brother,  and  we  will  give  each  of  you  extraordinary  power, 
so  that  they  shall  not  come  up  to  you,  in  our  signs.  Ye  two,  and 
whoever  shall  follow  you,  shall  be  the  conquerors.  And  when  Moses 
came  unto  them  with  our  evident  signs,  they  said.  This  is  no  other 
than  a  deceitful  piece  of  sorcery:  neither  have  we  heard  of  anything 
like  this  among  our  forefathers.  And  Moses  said,  My  Lord  best 
knoweth  who  cometh  with  a  direction  from  him ;  and  who  shall  have 
success  in  this  life,  as  well  as  the  next :  but  the  unjust  shall  not 
prosper.  And  Pharaoh  said,  O  princes,  I  did  not  know  that  ye  had 
any  other  god  besides  me.  Wherefore  do  thou,  O  Haman,  burn  me 
clay  into  bricks;  and  build  me  a  high  tower,  that  I  may  ascend  unto 


AL  KORAN.  211 

the  God  of  Moses:  for  I  verily  believe  him  to  be  a  liar.  And  both 
he  and  his  forces  behaved  themselves  insolently  and  unjustly  in  the 
earth;  and  imagined  that  they  should  not  be  brought  before  us  to  be 
judged.  Wherefore  we  took  him  and  nis  forces,  and  cast  them  into 
the  sea.  Behold,  therefore,  what  was  the  end  of  the  unjust.  And 
we  made  them  deceitful  guides,  inviting  their  followers  to  hell  fire; 
and  on  the  day  of  resurrection  they  shall  not  be  screened  from  punish- 
ment. We  pursued  them  with  a  curse  in  this  life,  and  on  the  day  of 
insurrection  they  shall  be  shamefully  rejected.  And  we  gave  the 
book  of  the  law  unto  Moses,  after  we  had  destroyed  the  former  gener- 
ations, to  enlighten  the  minds  of  men,  and  for  a  direction  and  a  mercy .; 
that  peradventure  they  might  consider.  Thou,  O  prophet,  was  not 
on  the  west  side  of  Mount  Sinai,  when  AVC  delivered  Moses  his  com- 
mission: neither  wast  thou  one  of  those  who  were  present  at  his  re- 
ceiving it:  but  we  raised  up  several  generations  after  Moses:  and  life 
was  prolonged  unto  them.  Neither  didst  thou  dwell  among  the  in- 
habitants of  Madiau,  rehearsing  unto  them  our  signs;  but  we  have 
sent  thee  fully  instructed  in  every  particular.  Nor  wast  thou  present 
on  the  side  of  the  mount,  when  we  called  unto  Moses:  but  thou  art 
sent  as  a  mercy  from  thy  Lord;  that  thou  mightest  preach  unto  a 
people  to  whom  no  preacher  hath  come  before  thee,  that  peradventure 
they  may  be  warned;  and  lest,  if  a  calamity  had  befallen  them,  for 
that  which  their  hands  had  previously  committed,  they  ,->bould  have 
said,  O  Lord,  since  thou  hast  not  sent  an  apostle  unto  us,  that  we 
might  follow  thy  signs,  and  become  true  believers,  are  we  not  excus- 
able? Yet  when  the  truth  is  come  unto  them  from  before  us,  they 
say.  Unless  he  receive  the  same  power  to  work  miracles  as  Moses 
received,  we  will  not  believe.  Have  they  not  likewise  rejected  the 
revelation  which  was  heretofore  given  unto  Moses?  They  say,  Two 
cunning  impostures  have  mutually  assisted  one  another:  and  they 
say,  Verily  we  reject  them  both.  Say,  Produce  therefore  a  book  from 
God,  which  is  more  right  than  these  two,  that  I  may  follow  it;  if  ye 
speak  truth.  But  if  they  return  thee  no  answer,  know  that  they  only 
follow  their  own  desires:  and  who  erreth  more  widely  from  the  truth 
than  he  who  followeth  his  own  desire,  without  a  direction  from  God? 
verily  God  directeth  not  the  unjust  people.  And  now  have  we  caused 
our  word  to  come  unto  them,  that  they  may  be  admonished.  They 
unto  whom  we  have  given  the  s  riplures  which  were  revealed  before 
it,  believe  in  the  same;  and  when  it  is  read  unto  them,  say,  We  believe 
therein;  it  is  certainly  the  truth  from  our  Lord:  verily  we  were 
Moslems  before  this.  These  shall  receive  their  reward  twice,  because 
they  have  persevered,  and  repel  evil  by  good,  and  distribute  alms  out 
of  that  which  we  have  bestowed  on  them;  and  when  they  hear  vain 
discourse,  avoid  the  same,  saying.  We  have  our  works,  and  ye  have 
your  works:  peace  be  on  you;  we  covet  not  the  acquaintance  of  the 
ignorant.  Verily  thou  canst  not  direct  whom  thou  wilt:  but  God 
directeth  whom  he  pleaseth;  and  he  best  knoweth  those  who  will 


212  AL  KORAN. 

submit  to  be  directed.  The  Meccans  say.  If  we  follow  the  same  direc- 
tion with  thee,  we  shall  be  forcibly  expelled  our  land.  Have  we  not 
established  for  them  a  secure  asylum ;  to  which  fruits  of  every  sort 
are  brought,  as  a  provision  of  our  bounty?  but  the  greater  part  of  them 
do  not  understand.  How  many  cities  have  we  destroyed,  whose 
inhabitants  lived  in  ease  and  plenty?  and  these  their  dwellings  are  not 
inhabited  after  them,  unless  for  a  little  while;  and  we  were  the 
inheritors  of  their  wealth.  But  thy  Lord  did  not  destroy  those  cities, 
until  be  had  sent  unto  their  capital  an  apostle,  to  rebear.se  our  signs 
unto  them:  neither  did  we  destroy  those  cities,  unless  their  inhabitants 
were  injurious  to  their  apostle.  The  things  which  are  given  you,  are 
the  provisions  of  this  present  life, and  the  pomp  thereof ;  hut  that  which 
is  with  God,  is  better  and  more  durable:  will  ye  not  therefore  under- 
stand? Shall  he  then,  unto  whom  we  have  promised  an  excellent 
promise  of  future  happiness,  and  who  shall  attain  the  same,  be  as  lie 
on  whom  we  have  bestowed  the  provision  of  this  present  life,  and  who, 
on  the  day  of  resurrection,  shall  be  one  of  those  who  are  delivered  up 
to  eternal  punishment?  On  that  day  God  shall  call  unto  them,  and 
shall  say,AVhere  are  my  partners,  which  ye  imagined  to  be  so?  And 
they  upon  whom  the  sentence  of  damnation  shall  be  justly  pronounced 
shall  answer,  These,  O  Lord,  are  those  whom  we  seduced;  we  seduced 
them  as  we  also  had  been  seduced:  but  now  we  clearly  quit  them,  and 
turn  unto  thee.  They  did  not  worship  us,  but  their  own  lusts.  And 
it  shall  be  said  unto  the  idolaters.  Call  now  upon  those  whom  ye  as- 
sociated with  God:  and  they  shall  call  upon  them,  but  they  shall  not 
answer  them;  and  they  shall  see  the  punishment  prepared" for  them, 
and  shall  wish  that  they  had  submitted  to  be  directed.  On  that  day 
God  shall  call  unto  them,  and  shall  say,  What  answer  did  ye  return 
to  our  messengers?  But  they  shall  not  be  able  to  give  an  account 
thereof  on  that  day;  neither  shall  they  ask  one  another  for  informa- 
tion. Howbeit  whoso  shall  repent  and  believe,  and  shall  do  that 
which  is  right,  may  expect  to  be  happy.  Thy  Lord  createth  what  he 
pleaseth;  and  chooseth  freely:  but  they  have  no  free  choice.  Praise 
be  unto  God ;  and  far  be  he  removed  from  the  idols  which  they  as- 
sociate with  him!  Thy  Lord  knoweth  both  the  secret  malice  which 
their  breasts  conceal,  and  the  open  hatred  which  they  discover.  He 
is  God;  there  is  no  God  but  he.  Unto  him  is  the  praise  due,  both  in 
this  life  and  in  that  which  is  to  come:  unto  him  doth  judgment  be 
long,  and  before  him  shall  ye  be  assembled  at  the  last  day.  Say, 
What  think  ye?  If  God  should  cover  you  with  perpetual  night,  until 
the  day  of  resurrection;  what  god,  besides  God,  would  brimr  you 
light?  Will  ye  not  therefore  hearken?  Say,  What  think  ye?  ft  God 
should  give  you  continual  day,  until  the  day  of  resurrection:  what 
god.  besides  God,  would  bring  you  night,  that  ye  might  rest  therein? 
Will  ye  not  therefore  consider?  Of  his  mercy  he  hath  made  for  yon 
the  night  and  the  day,  that  ye  may  rest  in  the  one,  and  may  seek  to 
Obtain  provision  for  }-ourselves  of  his  abundance  by  your  industry, 


AL  KORAN.  213 

in  the  other:  and  that  ye  may  give  thanks.  On  a  certain  dr. y  God 
shall  call  unto  them,  and  .shall  say,  Where  are  my  partners,  which  yo 
imagined  to  share  the  divine  power  with  me?  And  we  will  produce 
a  witness  out  of  every  nation,  and  will  say,  Bring  hither  your  proof 
of  what  ye  have  asserted.  And  they  shall  know  that  the  right  is 
God's  alone;  and  the  deities  which  they  have  devised  shall  abandon 
them.  Karuu  was  of  the  people  of  Moses;  but  he  behaved  insolently 
towards  them ;  for  we  had  given  him  so  much  treasure,  that  his  keys 
would  have  loaded  several  strong  men.  When  his  people  said  unto 
him,  Rejoice  not  immoderately;  forGodloveth  not  those  who  rejoice 
in  their  riches  immoderately:  but  seek  to  attain,  by  means  of  the 
wealth  which  God  hath  given  thee,  the  future  mansion  of  paradise. 
And  forget  not  thy  portion  in  this  world ;  but  be  thou  bounteous  unto 
others,  as  God  hath  been  bounteous  unto  thee:  and  seek  not  to  act 
corruptly  in  the  earth ;  for  God  loveth  not  the  corrupt  doers.  He 
answered,  I  have  received  these  riches,  only  because  of  the  knowledge 
which  is  with  me.  Did  he  not  know  that  God  had  already  destroyed, 
before  him,  several  generations,  who  were  mightier  than  he  in 
strength,  and  had  amassed  more  abundance  of  riches:?  And  the 
wicked  shall  not  be  asked  to  discover  their  crimes.  And  Karun  went 
forth  unto  his  people,  in  his  pump.  And  they  who  lo\ed  this  present 
life,  said,  Oh  that  we  had  the  like  wealth  as  hath  been  given  unto 
Karun !  verity  he  is  master  of  a  great  fortune.  But  those  on  whom 
knowledge  had  been  bestowed,  answered,  Alas  for  you!  the  reward 
of  God  in  the  next  life,  will  be  better  unto  him  who  shall  believe  and 
do  good  works:  but  none  shall  attain  the  same,  except  those  who 
persevere  w;th  constancy.  And  we  caused  the  ground  to  cleave  in 
sunder,  and  tc  swallow  up  him  and  his  palace:  a  .id  he  had  no  forces 
to  defend  him,  besides  God ;  neither  was  he  rescue  d  from  punishment. 
And  the  next  morning,  those  who  had  coveted  his  condition  the  day 
before,  said,  Alia!  verily  God  bestoweth  abundant  provision  on  such 
of  his  servants  as  Le  pleaseth;  and  he  is  sparing  unto  whom  he 
plea>eth.  Unless  God  had  been  gracious  unto  us,  certainly  the  earth 
pad  -wallowed  us  up  also.  Aha!  the  unbelievers  shall  not  prosper. 
As  to  ihis  future  mansion  of  paradise,  we  will  give  it  unto  them  who 
seek  not  to  exalt  themselves  in  the  earth,  or  t;>  do  wrong;  for  the 
happy  is>ue  shall  attend  the  pious.  Whoso  doih  good,  shall  receive 
a  reward  which  shall  exceed  the  merit  thereof:  bat  as  to  him  who 
doth  evil,  they  who  work  evil  shall  be  rewarded  according  to  the 
merit  only  of  that  which  they  shall  have  wrought.  Verily  he  who 
hath  give'n  thee  the  Koran  for  a  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  will  ce-- 
tainly  bring  thee  hack  home  unto  Mecca  Say.  My  Lord  best  knoweth 
who  eometh  with  a  true  direrii.-m.  and  who  is  in  a  manifest  error. 
Thou  didst  not  expect  iliat  the  book  of  the  Koran  should  be  delivered 
unto  thee:  but  thou  hast  received  it  through  the  mercy  of  thy  Lord. 
Be  not  therefore  assisting  to  ti<e  unbelievers;  neither  let  them  turn 
thee  aside  from  the  signs  of  God.  after  they  have  been  seut  down 


214  AL 

unto  thee :  and  invite  men  unto  thy  Lord.  And  be  not  tbou  an  idola- 
ter; neither  invoke  any  other  god,  together  with -the  true  God:  there 
is  no  God  but  lie.  Everything  shall  perish,  except  himself:  unto  him 
belongeth  judgment;  and  before  him  shall  ye  be  assembled  at  the 
last  day. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

ENTITLED,    THE   SPIDER;   REVEALED   AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  M.  Do  men  imagine  that  it  shall  be  sufficient  for  them  to 
say,  We  believe;  while  they  be  not  proved?  We  heretofore  proved 
those  who  were  before  them;  for  God  will  surely  know  them  who 
are  sincere,  and  he  will  surely  know  the  liars.  Do  the}'  who  work 
evil  think  that  they  shall  prevent  us  from  taking  vengeance  on  them? 
Aa  ill  judgment  do  they  make.  Whoso  hopeth  to  meet  God,  verily 
God's  appointed  time  will  certainly  come;  and  he  both  heareth  aud 
knoweth.  Whoever  striveth  to  promote  the  true  religion,  striveth  for 
the  advantage  of  his  own  soul;  for  God  needeth  not  any  of  his  crea- 
tures: and  as  to  those  who  believe  and  work  righteousness,  we  will 
expiate  their  evil  deeds  from  them ;  and  we  will  give  them  a  reward 
according  to  the  utmost  merit  of  their  actions.  We  have  commanded 
man  to  show  kindness  towards  his  parents:  but  if  they  endeavour  to 
prevail  with  thee  to  associate  with  me  that  concerning  which  them 
hast  no  knowledge,  obey  them  not.  Unto  me  shall  ye  return;  and  I 
will  declare  unto  you  what  ye  have  done.  Those  who  shall  believe, 
and  shall  work  righteousness,  we  will  surely  introduce  into  paradise, 
among  the  upright.  There  are  some  men  who  say,  We  believe  in  God: 
but  when  such  a  one  is  afflicted  for  God's  sake,  he  esteemeth  the  per- 
secution of  men  to  be  as  grievous  as  the  punishment  of  God.  Yet  if 
success  cometh  from  thy  Lord,  they  say,  Verily  we  are  with  you. 
Doth  not  God  well  know  that  which  is  in  the  breasts  of  his  creatures? 
Verily  God  well  knoweth  the  true  believers,  and  he  well  knoweth 
the  hypocrites.  The  unbelievers  say  unto  those  who  believe,  Follow 
our  way;  and  we  will  bear  your  sins.  Howbeit  they  shall  not  bear 
any  part  of  their  sins;  for  thry  are  liars:  but  they  shall  surely  bear 
their  own  burdens,  and  other  burdens  besides  their  own  burdens; 
find  they  shall  be  examined,  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  concerning 
that  which  they  have  falsely  devised.  We  heretofore  sent  Noah  unto 
his  people;  and  he  tarried  among  them  one  thousand  years,  save 
fifty  years,  ami  the  deluge  took  them  away,  while  they  were  acting 
unjustly;  but  we  delivered  him  and  those  \\  ho  were  in  the  ark,  and  we 
made  the  same  a  sign  unto  all  creatures.  We  also  sent  Abraham; 
when  he  said  unto  his  people,  Serve  God,  and  /ear  him:  this  will  be 
better  for  you,  if  ye  understand.  Ye  omy  worship  idols  besides 


AL  KORAN.  215 

God,  and  forge  a  lie.  Verily  those  which  ye  worship,  besides  God. 
are  not  able  to  make  any  provision  for  you:  seek  therefore  your  pro- 
vision from  God;  and  serve  him  and  give  thank."  unto  him;  unto 
him  shall  ye  return.  If  he  charge  me  with  imposture,  verily  sundry 
nations  before  you  likewise  charged  their  prophets  with  impostuie: 
but  public  preaching  only  is  incumbent  on  an  apostle.  Do  they  not 
see  how  God  produceth  creatures,  and  afterwards  restoreth  them? 
Verily  this  is  easy  with  God.  Say,  Go  through  the  earth,  and  see 
how  he  originally  produceth  creatures :  afterwards  will  God  repro- 
duce another  production;  for  God  is  almighty.  He  will  punish 
whom  he  pleasetli,  and  he  will  have  mercy  on  whom  he  pleaseth. 
Before  him  shall  ye  be  brought  at  the  day  of  judgment:  and  ye  shall 
not  escape  his  reach,  either  in  earth,  or  in  heaven;  neither  shall 
ye  have  any  patron  or  defender  besides  God.  As  for  those  who 
believe  not  in  the  signs  of  God,  or  that  they  shall  meet  him  at  the 
resurrection,  they  shall  despair  of  my  mercy,  and  for  them  is  a  pain- 
ful punishment  prepared.  And  the  answer  of  his  people  was  no  ether 
than  that  they  said,  Slay  him,  or  burn  him.  But  God  saved  him 
from  the  fire.  Verily  herein  were  signs  unto  people  who  believed. 
And  Abraham  said,  Ye  have  taken  Idols,  besides  God,  to  cement 
affection  between  you  in  this  life:  but  on  the  day  of  resurrection, 
the  one  of  you  shall  deny  the  other,  and  the  one  of  you  shall  cur.se 
the  other;  and  your  abode  shall  be  hell  fire,  and  .there  shall  be  none 
to  deliver  you.  And  Lot  believed  on  him.  And  Abraham  said, 
Verily  I  fly  from  my  people,  unto  the  place  which  my  Lord  hath 
commanded  me ;  for  he  is  the  mighty,  the  wise.  And  we  gave  him 
Isaac  kand  Jacob;  and  we  placed  among  his  descendants  the  gift  of 
prophecy  and  the  scriptures:  and  we  gave  him  his  reward  in  this 
world ;  and  in  the  next  he  shall  be  one  of  the  righteous.  We  also 
sent  Lot;  wnen  he  said  unto  his  people,  Do  ye  commit  filthiuess 
which  no  creature  hath  committed  before  you?  Do  ye  approach 
lustfully  unto  men,  and  lay  wait  in  the  highways,  and  commit  wick- 
edness in  your  assembly?  And  the  answer  of  his  people  was  no  other 
than  that  they  said,  Bring  down  the  vengeance  of  God  upon  us,  if 
tfiou  speakest  truth.  Lot  said,  O  Lord,  defend  me  against  the  cor- 
rupt people.  And  when  our  messengers  came  unto  Abraham  with 
irood  tidings,  they  said,  We  will  surely  destroy  the  inhabitants  of  this 
city;  for  the  inhabitants  thereof  are  Tinjust  doers.  Abraham  an- 
swered, Verily  Lot  dwelleth  there.  They  replied,  We  well  know 
who  dwelleth  therein:  we  will  surely  deliver  him  and  his  family 
except  his  wife ;  she  shall  be  one  of  those  who  remain  behind.  And 
when  our  me --<•  Hirers  came  unto  Lot,  he  was  troubled  for  them,  and 
his  arm  was  straitened  concerning  them.  But  they  said,  Fear  not, 
neither  be  grieved;  for  we  will  deliver  thee  and  thy  family,  except 
thy  wife;  for  she  shall  be  one  of  those  who  remain  behind.  We  will 
surely  bring  down  upon  the  inhabitants  of  this  city  vengeance  from 
heaven,  for  that  they  have  been  wicked  doers:  and  we  have  left 


216  AL  KORAN. 

thereof  a  manifest  sign  unto  people  who  understand.  And  unto  the 
inhabitants  of  Madian  we  sent  their  brother  Shoaib;  and  he  said  unto 
them,  O  my  people,  serve  God,  and  expect  the  last  day;  and  trans- 
gress not,  acting  corruptly  in  the  earth.  But,  they  accused  him  of 
imposture ;  wherefore  a  storm  from  heaven  assailed  them,  and  in  the 
morning  they  were  found  in  their  dwellings  dead  and  prostrate. 
And  we  also  destroyed  the  tribes  of  Ad  and  Thamud;  and  this  is  well 
known  unto  you  from  Avhat  yet  remains  of  their  dwellings.  And 
Satan  prepared  their  works  for  them,  and  turned  them  aside  from 
the  way  of  truth;  although  they  were  sagacious  people.  And  we 
likewise  destroyed  Karun,  and  Pharaoh,  and  Haman.  Moses  came 
unto  them  with  evident  miracles;  and  they  behaved  themselves  inso- 
lently in  the  earth :  but  they  could  not  escape  our  vengeance.  Every 
of  them  did  we  destroy  in  his  sin.  Against  some  of  them  we  sent  a 
violent  wind :  some  of  them  did  a  terrible  noise  from  heaven  destroy : 
some  of  them  did  we  cause  the  earth  to  swallow  up:  and  some  of 
them  we  drowned.  Neither  was  God  disposed  to  treat  them  unjustly; 
but  they  dealt  unjustly  with  their  own  souls.  The  likeness  of  those 
who  take  other  patrons  besides  God,  is  as  the  likeness  of  the  spider, 
which  maketh  herself  a  house :  but  the  weakest  of  all  houses  surely 
is  the  house  of  the  spider;  if  they  knew  this.  Moreover  God  knoweth 
what  things  they  invoke,  besides  him;  and  he  is  the  mighty,  the 
wise.  These  similitudes  do  we  propound  unto  men :  but  none  under- 
stand them,  except  the  wise.  God  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth  in  truth:  verily  herein  is  a  sign  unto  the  true  believers.  (XXI.) 
Rehearse  that  which  hath  been  revealed  unto  thee  of  the  book  of  the 
KorSn:  and  be  constant  at  prayer;  for  prayer  preserve th  a  man  from 
filthy  crimes,  and  from  that  which  is  blameable;  and  the  remembering 
of  God  is  surely  a  most  important  duty.  God  knoweth  that  which 
ye  do.  Dispute  not  against  those  who  have  received  the  scriptures, 
unless  in  the  mildest  manner;  except  against  such  of  them  as  behave 
injuriously  towards  you:  and  say,  We  believe  in  the  revelation  which 
hath  been  sent  down  unto  us,  and  also  in  that  which  hath  been  sent 
down  unto  you;  our  God  and  your  God  is  one,  and  unto  him  are  we 
resigned.  Thus  have  we  sent  down  the  book  of  the  Koran  unto 
thee :  and  they  unto  whom  we  have  given  the  former  scriptures, 
believe  therein;  and  of  these  Arabians  also  there  is  who  believeth 
therein:  and  none  reject  our  signs  except  the  obstinate  infidels. 
Thou  couldst  not  read  any  book  before  this;  neither  could>t  thoi: 
write  it  with  thy  right  hand:  then  had  the  gainsayers  justly  doubted 
of  the  divine  original  thereof.  But  the  same  is  evident  signs  in  the 
breasts  of  those  who  have  received  understanding:  for  none  reject 
our  signs,  except  the  unjust.  They  say,  Unless  a  sign  be  sent  down 
unto  him  from  his  Lord,  we  will  not  believe.  Answer,  Signs  are  in 
the  power  of  God  alone;  and  I  am  no  more  than  a  public  preacher. 
Is  it  not  sufficient  for  them  that  we  have  sent  down  unto  thee  the 
book  of  the  Koran,  to  be  read  unto  them?  Verily  herein  is  a  mercy, 


AL  KORAN.  217 

ami  an  admonition  unto  people  who  believe.  Say,  God  is  a  sufficient 
witness  between  me  and  you:  he  knoweth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and 
I  jarth;  and  those  who  believe  in  vain  idols,  and  deny  God,  they  shall 
•perish.  They  will  urge  thee  to  hasten  the  punishment  which  they 
defy  thee  to  bring  down  upon  them :  if  there  had  not  been  a  deter- 
mined time  for  their  respite,  the  punishment  had  come  upon  them 
before  this;  but  it  shall  surely  overtake  them  suddenly,  and  they 
shall  not  foresee  it.  The}'  urge  thee  to  bring  down  vengeance  swiftly 
upon  them:  but  hell  shall  surely  encompass  the  unbelievers.  On  a 
certain  day  their  punishment  shall  suddenly  assail  them,  both  from 
above  them,  and  from  under  their  feet;  and  God  shall  say,  Taste  ye 
the  reward  of  that  which  ye  have  wrought.  O  my  servants  who  have 
believed,  verily  my  earth*  is  spacious;  wherefore  serve  me.  Every 
soul  shall  taste  death:  afterwards  shall  ye  return  unto  us;  and  as 
for  those  who  shall  have  believed,  and  wrought  righteousness,  we 
will  surely  lodge  them  in  a  higher  apartment  of  paradise;  rivers  shall 
flow  beneath  them,  and  they  shall  continue  therein  for  ever.  How 
excellent  will  be  the  reward  of  the  workers  of  righteousness;  who 
persevere  with  patience,  and  put  their  trust  in  their  Lord!  How 
many  beasts  are  there,  which  provide  not  their  food?  It  is  God  who 
provideth  food  for  them  and  for  you;  and  he  both  heareth  and 
knoweth.  Verily,  if  thou  ask  the  Meccans,  who  hath  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  hath  obliged  the  sun  and  the  moon  to 
serve  in  their  courses;  they  will  answer,  God.  How  therefore  do 
they  lie,  in  acknowledging  of  other  gods?  God  makelh  abundant 
provision  for  such  of  his  servants  as  he  pleaseth;  and  ia  sparing  unto 
him,  if  he  pleaseth:  for  God  knoweth  all  things.  Verily  if  thou  ask 
them,  who  sendeth  rain  from  heaven,  and  thereby  qcickeneth  the 
earth,  after  it  hath  been  dead;  they  will  answer,  God.  Say,  God  be 
praised!  But  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not  understand.  This 
present  life  is  no  other  than  a  toy  and  a  plaything;  but  the  future 
mansion  of  paradise  is  life  indeed:  if  they  knew  this,  they  would  not 
prefer  the  former  to  the  latter.  When  they  sail  in.  a  ship,  they  call 
upon  God,  sincerely  exhi oiling  unto  him  the  true  religion:  but  when 
he  bringeth  them  safe  tc  land,  behold,  they  return  to  their  idolatry; 
to  show  themselves  ungrateful  for  that  which  we  have  bestowed  on 
hem.  and  that  they  may  enjoy  the  delights  of  this  life:  but  they 
shall  hereafter  know  the  issue.  Do  they  not  see  tint  we  have  made 
the  territory  of  Mecca  an  inviolable  and  secure  asylum,  when  men 
are  spoiled  in  the  countries  round  about  them?  Do  they  therefore 
believe  in  that  which  is  vain,  and  acknowledge  not  the  goodness  of 
God?  But  who  is  more  unjust  than  he  who  deviseth  a  lie  against 
God,  or  denieth  the  truth,  when  it  hath  come  unto  him?  Is  then: 
not  in  hell  an  abode  for  the  unbelievers?  Whoever  do  their  utmost 
endeavour  to  promote  our  true  religion,  we  will  direct  them  into  our 
ways;  for  God  is  with  the 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

ENTITLED,  THE  GREEKS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L  M.  The  Greeks  have  been  overcome  by  the  Persians,  in  the 
nearest  part  of  the  land;  but  after  their  defeat,  they  shall  overcome 
the  others  in  their  turn,  within  a  few  years.  Unto  God  belongeth  the 
disposal  of  this  matter,  both  for  what  is  past,  and  for  what  is  to  come: 
and  on  that  day  shall  the  believers  rejoice  in  the  success  granted  by 
God ;  for  he  granteth  success  unto  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  he  is  the 
mighty,  the  merciful.  This  is  the  promise  of  God:  God  will  not  act 
contrary  to  his  promise;  but  the  greater  part  of  men  know  not  the 
veracity  of  God.  They  know  the  outward  appearance  of  this  present 
life ;  but  they  are  careless  as  to  the  life  to  come.  Do  they  not  consider 
within  themselves  that  God  hath  not  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  and  whatever  is  between  them,  otherwise  than  in  truth,  and 
hath  set  them  a  determined  period  ?  Verily  a  great  number  of  men 
reject  the  belief  of  their  future  meeting  their  Lord  at  the  resurrection. 
Do  they  not  pass  through  the  earth,  and  see  what  hath  been  the  end  of 
those  who  were  before  them?  They  excelled  the  Meccans  in  strength, 
and  broke  up  the  earth,  and  inhabited  it  in  greater  affluence  and 
prosperity  than  they  inhabit  the  same :  and  their  apostles  came  unto 
them  with  evident  miracles ;  and  God  was  not  disposed  to  treat  them 
unjustly,  but  they  injured  their  own  souls  by  their  obstinate  infidelity; 
and  the  end  of  those  who  had  done  evil,  was  evil,  because  they  charged 
the  signs  of  God  with  falsehood,  and  laughed  the  same  to  scorn.  God 
produceth  creatures,  and  will  hereafter  restore  them  to  life:  then  shall 
ye  return  unto  him.  And  on  the  day  whereon  the  hour  shall  conic,  the 
wicked  shall  be  struck  dumb  for  despair:  and  they  shall  have  no  inter- 
cessors from  among  the  idols  which  they  associated  with  God;  and 
they  shall  deny  the  false  gods  which  they  associated  with  him.  On  the 
day  whereon  the  hour  shall  come,  on  that  day  shall  the  true  believers 
and  the  infidels  be  separated:  and  they  who  shall  have  believed,  and 
wrought  righteousness,  shall  take  their  pleasure  in  a  delightful  meadow ; 
but  as  for  those  who  shall  have  disbelieved,  and  rejected  our  signs,  and 
the  meeting  of  the  next  life,  they  sluill  be  delivered  up  to  punishment. 
Wherefore  glorify  God,  when  the  evening  overtaketh  you,  and  when 
ye  rise  in  the  morning:  and  unto  him  be  praise  in  heaven  and  earth; 
and  at  sunset,  and  when  ye  rest  at  noon  He  bringeth  forth  the  living 
out  of  the  dead,  and  he  bringeth  forth  the  dead  out  of  the  living;  and 
he  quickeneth  the  earth  after  it  hath  been  dead :  and  in  like  manner 
shall  ye  be  brought  forth  from  your  graves.  Of  his  signs  one  is,  that 


AL  KORAN.  219 

he  hath  created  you  of  dust ;  and  behold,  ye  are  become  men,  spread 
over  the  face  of  the  earth.  And  of  his  signs  another  is,  that  lie  hath 
created  for  you,  out  of  yourselves,  wives,  that  ye  may  cohabit  with 
them;  and  hath  put  love  and  compassion  between  you:  verily  heroin 
are  signs  unto  people  who  consider.  And  of  his  signs  are  also  the 
creation  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  the  variety  of  your  languages, 
and  of  your  complexions:  verily  herein  are  signs  unto  men  of  under- 
standing. And  of  his  signs  are  your  sleeping  by  night  and  by  day,  and 
your  seeking  to  pro  vide  for  yourselves  of  his  abundance:  verily  herein 
are  signs  unto  people  who  hearken.  Of  his  signs  others  are,  that  he 
showeth  you  the  lightning,  to  strike  terror,  and  to  give  hope  of  rain, 
and  that  he  sendeth  down  water  from  heaven,  and  quickeneth  thereby 
the  earth,  after  it  hath  been  dead:  verily  herein  are  signs  unto  people 
who  understand.  And  of  his  signs  this  also  is  one,  namely,  that  the 
heaven  and  the  earth  stand  firm  at  his  command :  hereafter,  when  he 
shall  call  you  out  of  the  earth  at  6ne  summons,  behold,  ye  shall  come 
forth.  Unto  him  are  subject  whosoever  are  in  the  heavens  and  on 
earth:  all  are  obedient  unto  him.  It  is  he  who  originally  produceth 
a  creature,  and  afterwards  restoreth  the  same  to  life:  and  this  is 
most  easy  with  him.  He  justly  challengeth  the  most  exalted  com- 
parison, in  heaven  and  earth ;  and  he  is  the  mighty,  the  wise.  He 
propoundeth  unto  you  a  comparison  taken  from  yourselves.  Have 
ye,  among  the  slaves  whom  your  right  hands  possess,  any  partner 
in  the  substance  which  we  have  bestowed  on  you,  so  that  ye  become 
equal  sharers  therein  with  them,  or  that  ye  fear  them  as  ye  fear  one 
another?  Thus  do  we  distinctly  explain  our  signs,  unto  people  who 
understand.  But  those  who  act  unjustly  by  attributing  companions 
unto  God,  follow  their  own  lusts,  without  knowledge:  and  who  shall 
direct  him  whom  God  shall  cause  to  err?  They  shall  have  none  to  help 
them.  Wherefore  be  thou  orthodox,  and  set  thy  face  towards  the 
true  religion,  the  institution  of  God,  to  which  he  hath  created  man- 
kind disposed:  there  is  no  change  in  what  God  hath  created.  This 
is  the  right  religion;  but  the  greater  part  of  men  know  it  not.  And 
be  ye  turned  unto  him,  and  fear  him,  and  be  constant  at  prayer,  and 
be  not  idolaters.  Of  those  who  have  made  a  schism  in  their  religion 
and  are  divided  into  various  sects;  every  sect  rejoice  in  their  own 
opinion.  When  adversity  befalleth  men  they  call  upon  their  Lord, 
turning  unto  him.  afterwards,  when  he  hath  caused  them  to  taste 
of  his  mercy,  behold,  a  part  of  them  associate  other  deities  with  their 
Lord;  to  show  themselves  ungrateful  for  the  favours  which  we  have 
bestowed  on  them.  Enjoy  therefore  the  vain  pleasures  of  this  life; 
but  hereafter  shall  ye  know  the  consequence.  Have  we  sent  down 
unto  them  any  authority,  which  speakcthnf  the  false  gods  which  they 
tte  with  him'.'  When  wo  cause  men  to  taste  mercy,  they  rejoice 
therein;  but  if  evil  hefalleth  them  for  that  which  their  hands  have 
before  committed,  behold,  they  despair.  Do  they  not  see  that  God 
bestoweth  provision  abundantly  on  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  is  sparing 


220  AL  KORAH. 

unto  whom  he  pleaseth?  Verily  herein  are  signs  unto  people  who 
believe.  Give  unto  him  who  is  of  kin  to  thee  his  reasonable  due; and 
also  to  the  poor  and  the  stranger:  this  is  better  for  those  who  seek  the 
face  of  God;  and  they  shall  prosper.  TVhatever  ye  shall  give  in 
usury,  to  be  an  increase  of  men's  substance,  shall  not  be  increased  by 
the  blessing  of  God:  but  whatever  ye  shall  give  in  aims,  for  God's 
sake,  they  shall  receive  a  twofold  reward.  It  is  God  who  hath  creat- 
ed you,  and  hath  provided  food  for  you:  hereafter  will  he  cause  \  <;ii 
to  die:  and  after  that  will  he  raise  you  again  to  life.  Is  there  any  of 
your  false  gods,  who  is  able  to  do  the  least  of  these  things?  Praise 
be  unto  him ;  and  far  be  he  removed  from  what  they  associate  wuh 
him!  Corruption  hath  appeared  by  land  and  by  sea,  for  the  crimes 
which  men's  hands  have  committed;  that  it  might  make  them  to 
taste  a  part  of  the  fruits  of  that  which  they  hud  wrought,  that  perad- 
venture  they  might  turn  from  their  evil  ways.  Say,  Go  through  the 
earth,  and  s'ee  what  hath  been  the  end  of  those  w  ho  have  been  before 
you:  the  greater  part  of  them  were  idolaters.  Set  thy  face  therefore 
towards  the  right  religion,  before  the  day  cometh,  whicli  none  can 
put  back  from  God.  On  that  clay  shall  they  be  separated  into  two 
companies:  whoever  shall  have  been  an  unbeliever,  on  him  shall  his 
unbelief  be  charged;  and  whoever  shall  have  done  that  wiiich  is 
right,  shall  spread  themselves  couches  of  repose  in  paradise:  that  he 
may  reward  those  who  shall  believe  and  work  righteousness,  of  his 
abundant  liberality;  for  he  loveth  not  the  unbelievers.  Of  his  signs 
one  is,  that  he  sendeth  the  winds,  bearing  welcome  tidings  of  rain, 
that  he  may  cause  you  to  taste  of  his  mercy:  and  that  ships  may  sail 
at  his  command,  that  ye  may  seek  to  enrich  yourselves  of  his  abun- 
dance by  commerce;  and  that  ye  may  give  thanks.  "NVe  sent  aj 
before  thee,  unto  their  respective  people,  and  they  came  unto  them 
with  evident  proofs:  and  we  took  vengeance  on  those  who  did  wick- 
edly; and  it  was  incumbent  on  us  to  assist  the  true  believers.  It  is 
God  who  sendeth  the  winds,  and  raiseth  Ihe  clouds,  and  sprcadeth 
the  same  in  the  heaven,  as  he  pleaseth;  and  afterwaids  di.-pcrsclh  the 
same:  and  thoti  mayest  see  the  rain  issuing  from  the  midst  thereof; 
and  when  he  pouretii  the  same  down  on  such  of  his  servants  as  he 
pleaseth,  behold,  they  are  rilled  with  joy;  although  before  it  w,- 
down  unto  them,  before  such  relief,  they  were  despaiiing.  Consider 
therefore  the  traces  of  God's  mercy:  how  he  quickeneth  the  earth, 
after  its  state  of  death:  verily  the  same  will  raise  the  dead:  for  he  is 
almighty.  Yet  if  we  should  send  a  blasting  wind,  and  they  should 
see  their  corn  yellow  and  burnt  up.  they  would  surely  become  un- 
grateful, after  our  former  favours.  Thou  canst  not  make  the  dead 
to  hear,  neither  canst  thou  make  the  deaf  to  hear  thy  call,  when  they 
retire  and  turn  their  backs:  neither  canst  thou  direct  the  blind  out  of 
their  error:  thou  shalt  make  none  to  hear,  except  him  who  shall 
believe  in  our  signs;  for  they  are  resigned  unto  us.  It  is  God  who 
created  you  in  weakness,  and  aitw  weakness  hath  given  you  strength; 


AL  KORAN.  221 

and  after  strength,  he  will  again  reduce  you  to  weakness,  and  grey 
hairs  he  createth  that  which  he  pleaseth;  and  he  is  the  wise,  the 
powerful.  On  the  day  whereon  the  last  hour  shall  come,  the  wicked 
will  swear  that  they  have  not  tarried  above  an  hour:  in  like  manner 
did  they  utter  lies  in  their  lifetime.  But  those  on  whom  knowledge 
hath  been  bestowed,  and  faith,  will  say.  Ye  have  tarried,  according 
to  the  book  of  God,  until  the  day  of  resurrection:  for  this  is  the 
day  of  resurrection;  but  ye  knew  it  not.  On  that  day  their  excuse 
shall  not  avail  those  who  have  acted  unjustly;  neither  shall  they  be 
invited  any  more  to  make  themselves  acceptable  unto  God.  And 
now  have  we  propounded  unto  men,  in  this  Koran,  parables  of  every 
kind:  yet  if  thou  bring  them  a  verse  thereof,  the  unbelievers  will 
surely  say,  Ye  are  no  other  than  publishers  of  vain  falsehoods.  Tims 
hath  God  sealed  up  the  hearts  (if  those  who  believe  not.  But  do 
thou,  O  Mohammed,  persevere  with  constancy,  for  the  promise  of 
God  is  true;  and  let  not  those  induce  thee  to  waver,  who  have  no 
certain  knowledge. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

ENTITLED,  LOKMAX ;  KEVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME   OP  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  M.  These  are  the  signs  of  the  wise  book,  a  direction,  and  a 
mercy  unto  the  righteous;  who  observe  the  appointed  times  of  prayer, 
and  give  alms,  and  have  firm  assurance  in  the  life  to  come:  these  are 
directed  by  their  Lord,  and  they  shall  prosper.  There  is  a  man 
who  purchase! h  a  ludicrous  story,  that  he  may  seduce  men  from  the 
way  of  God,  without  knowledge,  and  may  laugh  the  same  to  scorn: 
these  shall  suffer  a  shameful  punishment.  And  when  our  signs  are 
rehearsed  unto  him,  he  disdainfully  turneth  his  back,  as  though  he 
heard  them  not,  as  though  there  were  a  deafness  in  his  ears:  where- 
fore denounce  unto  him  a  grievous  punishment.  But  they  who  shall 
believe  and  work  righteousness,  shall  enjoy  gardens  of  pleasure;  they 
shall  continue  therein  for  ever:  this  is  the  certain  promise  of  God; 
and  he  is  the  mighty,  the  wise.  He  hath  created  the  heavens  without 
visible  pillars  to  sustain  them,  and  hath  thrown  on  the  earth  mountains 
firmly  rooted,  lest  it  should  move  with  you;  and  he  hath  replenished 
the  same  with  all  kinds  of  beasts:  and  we  send  down  rain  from  heaven, 
and  cause  every  kind  of  noble  vegetable  to  spring  forth  therein.  This 
is  the  creation  of  God:  show  me  now  what  they  have  created,  who  a  re 
worshipped  besides  him?  verily  the  ungodly  are  in  a  manifest  error. 
We  heretofore  bestowed  wisdom  on  Lokman,  and  commanded  him, 
saying,  Be  thou  thankful  unto  God:  for  whoever  is  thankful,  shall  be 
thankful  to  the  advantage  of  his  own  soul  ;  and  if  any  shall  be 
unthankful*  verily  God  is  self-sufficient,  and  worthy  to  be  praised. 


202  AL  KORAN. 

And  remember  when  Lokmfin  said  unto  his  son,  as  he  admonished 
him,  O  my  son,  Give  not  a  partner  unto  God ;  for  polytheism  is  a 
great  impiety.  We  have  commanded  mac.  concerning  his  parents, 
(his  mother  carrieth  him  in  her  womb  with  weakness  and  faintness, 
and  he  is  weaned  in  two  3rears),  saying,  Be  grateful  unto  me  and  to 
thy  parents.  Unto  me  shall  all  come  to  be  judged.  But  if  thy  parents 
endeavour  to  prevail  on  thee  to  associate  with  me  that  concerning 
which  thou  hast  no  knowledge,  obey  them  not :  bear  them  company  in 
this  world  in  what  shall  be  reasonable;  but  follow  the  way  of  him 
who  sincerely  turneth  unto  me.  Hereafter  unto  me  shall  ye  return, 
and  then  will  I  declare  unto  you  that  which  ye  have  clone.  O  my  son, 
verily  every  matter,  whether  good  or  bad,  though  it  be  of  the  weight 
of  a  grain  of  mustard-seed,  and  be  hidden  in  a  rock,  or  in  the  heavens, 
or  in  the  earth,  God  will  bring  the  same  to  light ;  for  God  is  clear- 
sighted and  knowing.  O  my  son,  be  constant  at  prayer,  and  command, 
that  which  is  just,  and  forbid  that  which  is  evil :  and  be  patient  under 
the  afflictions  which  shall  befall  tht-e;for  this  is  a  duty  absolutely  in- 
cumbent on  all  men.  Distort  not  thy  face  out  of  contempt  to  men, 
neither  walk  in  the  earth  with  insolence;  for  God  loveth  no  arrogant, 
vainglorious  person.  And  be  moderate  in  thy  pace:  and  lower  thy 
voice;  for  the  most  ungrateful  of  all  voices  surely  is  the  voice  of  asses. 
Do  you  not  see  that  God  hath  subjected  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on 
earth  to  your  service,  and  hath  abundantly  poured  on  you  his  favours, 
both  outwardly  and  inwardly  ?  There  are  some  men  who  dispute  con- 
cerning God  without  knowledge,  and  without  a  direction,  and  without 
an  enlightening  book.  And  when  it  is  said  unto  them,  Follow  that 
which  God  hath  revealed ;  they  answer,  Nay,  we  will  follow  that  which 
we  found  our  fathers  to  practise.  What,  though  the  devil  invite  them 
to  the  torment  of  hell  ?  Whoever  resij,ueth  himself  unto  God,  being  a 
worker  of  righteousness,  taketh  hold  on  a  strong  handle;  and  unto 
God  belongeth  the  issue  of  all  things.  But  whoever  shall  be  an  un- 
believer, let  not  his  unbelief  grieve  tl/ee:  unto  us  shall  they  return; 
then  will  we  declare  unto  them  that  which  they  have  done,  for  God 
knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  the  bn.asts  of  men.  We  will  suffer 
them  to  enjoy  this  world  for  a  little  while:  afterwards  we  will  drive 
them  to  a  severe  punishment.  If  thou  Ksk  them  who  hath  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  they  will  surely  answer,  <Jod.  Say,  God  be 
praised  !  But  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not  understand.  Unto  God 
belongeth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  earth :  for  God  is  the  self-sufficient, 
the  praiseworthy.  If  whatever  trees  are  in  the  earth  were  pens,  and 
he  should  after  that  swell  the  sea  into  f  even  peas  of  ink,  the  words  ol 
God  would  not  be  exhausted;  for  God  is  mighty  and  wise.  Your 
creation  and  your  resuscitation  are  but  as  the  creation  and  resuscitation 
of  one  soul :  verily  God  both  heareth  and  seeth.  Dost  thou  not  see 
that  God  causeth  the  night  to  succeed  the  day,  and  causeth  the  day 
to  succeed  the  night,  and  compelleth  the  sun  and  the  moon  to  serve 
vou?  Each  of  those  luminaries  hasteneth  in  its  course  to  a  de 


AL  KORAN.  223 

termined  period:  and  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that  which  ye  do. 
This  is  declared  concerning  the  divine  knowledge  and  power,  for 
that  God  is  the  true  Being,  and  for  that  whatever  ye  invoke,  besides 
him,  is  vanity ;  and  for  that  God  is  the  high,  the  great  God.  Dost 
thou  not  see  that  the  ships  run  in  the  sea,  through  the  favour  of  God, 
that  he  may  show  you  of  his  signs?  Verily  herein  are  signs,  unto 
every  patient,  grateful  person.  When  waves  cover  them,  like  over- 
shadowing clouds,  they  call  upon  God,  exhibiting  the  pure  religion 
unto  him ;  but  when  he  bringeth  them  safe  to  land,  there  is  of  them 
who  halteth  between  the  true  faith  and  idolatry.  Howbeit,  none 
rejecteth  our  signs,  except  every  perfidious,  ungrateful  person.  O 
men,  fear  your  Lord,  and  dread  the  day  whereon  a  father  shall  not 
make  satisfaction  for  his  son,  neither  shall  a  son  make  satisfaction 
for  his  father  at  all :  the  promise  of  God  is  assuredly  true.  Let  not 
this  present  life,  therefore,  deceive  you;  neither  let  the  deceiver 
deceive  you  concerning  God.  Verily  the  knowledge  of  the  hour  of 
judgment  is  with  God :  and  he  causeth  the  rain  to  descend,  at  his  own 
appointed  time ;  and  he  knoweth  what  is  in  the  wombs  of  females. 
No  soul  knoweth  what  it  shall  gain  on  the  morrow ;  neither  doth  any 
soul  know  in  what  land  it  shall  die:  but  God  is  knowing  and  fully 
acquainted  with  all  things. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

ENTITLED,   ADOKATION;    REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

A.  L.  M.  The  revelation  of  this  book,  there  is  no  doubt  thereof, 
is  from  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  Will  they  say,  Mohammed  hath 
forged  it?  Nay,  it  is  the  truth  from  thy  Lord,  that  thou  mayest 
preach  to  a  people,  unto  whom  no  preacher  hath  come  before  thee ; 
peradventure  they  will  be  directed.  It  is  God  who  hath  created  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  whatever  is  between  them,  in  six  days; 
and  then  ascended  his  throne.  Ye  have  no  patron  or  intercessor 
besides  him.  Will  ye  not  therefore  consider?  lie  governeth  all 
things  from  heaven  even  to  the  earth :  hereafter  shall  they  return  unto 
him,  on  the  day  whose  length  shall  be  a  thousand  years,  of  those 
which  ye  compute.  This  is  he  who  knoweth  the  future  and  the  pres- 
ent; the  mighty,  the  merciful.  It  is  he  who  hath  made  everything 
which  he  hath  created  exceeding  good:  and  first  created  man  of  clay, 
and  afterwards  made  his  posterity  of  an  extract  of  despicable  water; 
and  then  formed  him  into  proper  shape,  and  breathed  of  his  spirit 
into  him;  and  hath  given  you  tho  senses  of  hearing  and  seeing,  and 
hearts  to  understand.  How  small  thanks  do  ye  return !  And  they 
say,  When  we  shall  lie  hidden  in  the  earth,  shall  we  be  raised  thence 
a  new  creature?  Yea,  they  deny  the  meeting  of  their  Lord  at  the 
resurrection.  Say,  The  angel  of  death,  who  is  set  over  you,  shall 


224  AL  KORAN. 

cause  you  to  die:  then  shall  ye  be  brought  back  unto  your  Lord.  If 
thou  couldst  see,  when  the  wicked  shall  bow  down  their  heads  before 
their  Lord,  saying,  O  Lord,  we  have  seen  and  have  heard :  suffer  us 
therefore  to  return  into  the  world,  and  we  will  work  that  which  is  right; 
since  we  are  now  certain  of  the  truth  of  what  hath  been  preached  to  us: 
tliouwouldst  see  an  amazing  sight.  If  we  had  pleased,  we  had  certainly 
given  unto  every  soul  its  direction:  but  the  word  which  hath  proceeded 
from  me  must  necessarily  be  fulfilled,  when  I  said,  Verily  I  will  fill 
hell  with  genii  and  men,  altogether.  Taste  therefore  the  torment  pre- 
pared for  you,  because  ye  have  forgotten  the  coming  of  this  your  day. 
we  also  have  forgotten  you;  taste  therefore  a  punishment  of  eternal 
duration,  for  that  which  ye  have  wrought.  Verily  they  only  1  eiic-ve 
in  our  signs,  who,  when  they  are  warned  thereby,  fall  down  adoring, 
and  celebrate  the  praise  of  their  Lord,  and  are  not  elated  with  pride, 
their  sides  are  raised  from  their  beds,  calling  on  their  Lord  with  fear 
and  with  hope ;  and  they  distribute  alms  out  of  what  we  have  bestowed 
on  them.  No  soul  kuoweth  the  complete  satisfaction  which  is  secretly 
prepared  for  them,  as  a  reward  for  that  which  they  have  ^  rough t. 
Shall  he,  therefore,  who  is  a  true  believer,  be  as  he  who  is  an  impious 
transgressor?  They  shall  not  be  held  equal.  As  to  those  who  be- 
lieve and  do  that  which  is  right,  they  shall  have  gardens  of  perpetual 
abode,  an  ample  recompense  for  that  which  they  shall  have  wrought: 
but  as  for  those  who  impiously  transgiess,  their  abode  shall  be  hell 
fire;  so  often  as  they  shall  endeavour  to  get  thereout,  they  shall  be 
dragged  back  into  the  same,  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  Taste  ye 
the  torment  of  hell  fire,  which  ye  rejected  as  a  falsehood.  And  we 
will  cause  them  to  taste  the  nearer  punishment  of  this  world,  besides 
the  more  grievous  punishment  of  the  next;  peradventure  they  will 
repent.  Who  is  more  unjust  than  he  who  is  warned  by  the  signs  of 
his  Lord,  and  then  turneth  aside  from  the  same?  "We  will  surely 
take  vengeance  on  the  wicked.  We  heretofore  delivered  the  book  of 
the  law  unto  Moses;  wherefore  be  not  thou  in  doubt  as  to  the  revela- 
tion thereof:  and  we  ordained  the  same  to  be  a  direction  unto  the 
children  of  Israel;  and  we  appointed  teachers  from  among  them,  who 
should  direct  the  people  at  our  command,  when  they  had  persevered 
with  patience,  and  had  firmly  believed  in  our  signs.  Verily  thy  Lord 
will  judge  between  them,  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  concerning  that 
wherein  they  have  disagreed.  Is  it  not  known  unto  them  how  many 
generations  we  have  destroyed  before  them,  through  whose  dwellings 
they  walk?  Verily  herein  are  signs:  will  they  not  therefore  hearken? 
Do  they  not  see  that  we  drive  ram  unto  a  laud  bare  of  grase  and 
parched  up,  and  thereby  produce  corn,  of  which  their  cattle  eat,  and 
themselves  also?  Will  they  not  therefore  regard?  The  infidels  say 
to  the  true  believers,  AVhen  will  this  decision  be  made  between  us,  if 
ye  speak  truth?  Answer,  On  the  day  of  that  decision,  the  faith  of 
those  who  shall  have  disbelieved  sb*l)  not  avail  them:  neither  shall 
tuey  be  respited  any  longer.  Wherefore  avoid  them,  and  expect  the 
issue:  verily  they  expect  to  obtain. some  advantage  over  thee. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

,   THE  CONFEDERATES;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THi!  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  PBOPHET,  fear  God,  and  obey  not  the  unbelievers  and  the  hyp 
Ocrites  •  verily  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  But  follow  that  which  is 
revealed  unto  thee  from  thy  Lord;  for  God  is  well  acquainted  with, 
that  which  ye  do:  and  put  thy  trust  in  God;  for  God  is  a  sufficient 
protector.  God  hath  not  given  a  man  two  hearts  within  him;  neither 
hath  he  made  your  wives  (some  of  whom  ye  divorce,  regarding  them 
thereafter  as  your  mothers)  your  true  mothers ;  nor  hath  he  made 
your  adopted  sons  your  true  sons.  This  is  your  saying  in  your 
mouths;  but  God  speaketh  the  truth;  and  he  directeth  the  right  way. 
Call  such  as  are  adopted,  the  sons  of  their  natural  fathers:  this  will 
be  more  just  in  the  sight  of  God.  And  if  ye  know  not  their  fathers, 
let  them  be  as  your  brethren  in  religion,  and  your  companions:  and 
it  shall  be  no  crime  in  you,  that  ye  err  in  this  manner;  but  that  shall 
be  criminal  which  your  hearts  purposely  design ;  for  God  is  gracious 
and  mercifuj.  The  prophet  is  nigher  unto  the  true  believers  than 
their  own  souls;  and  his  wives  are  their  mothers.  Those  who  are 
related  by  consanguinity  are  nigher  of  kin  the  one  of  them  unto  the 
others,  according  to  the  book  of  God,  than  the  other  true  believers, 
and  the  Mohajerun :  unless  that  ye  do  what  is  fitting  and  reasonable 
to  your  relations  in  general.  This  is  written  in  the  book  of  God. 
Remember  when  we  accepted  their  covenant  from  the  prophets,  and 
from  thee,  O  Mohammed,  and  from  Noah,  and  Abraham,  and  Moses, 
and  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary,  and  received  from  them  a  firm  covenant  • 
that  God  may  examine  the  speakers  of  truth  concerning  their  veracity ; 
and  he  hath  prepared  a  painful  torment  for  the  unbelievers.  O  true 
believers,  remember  the  favour  of  God  towards  you,  when  armies  of 
infidels  came  against  you,  and  we  sent  against  them  a  wind,  and 
hosts  of  angels  which  ye  saw  not:  and  God  beheld  that  which  ye  did. 
When  they  came  against  you  from  above  you,  and  from  below  you, 
and  when  your  sight  became  troubled,  and  your  hearts  came  even  to 
your  throats  for  fear,  and  ye  imagined  of  God  various  imaginations. 
There  were  the  faithful  tried,  and  made  to  tremble  with  a  violent 
trembling.  And  when  the  hypocrites,  and  those  in  whose  heart  was 
an  infirmity,  said,  God  and  his  apostle  have  made  you  no  other 
than  a  fallacious  promise.  And  when  a  party  of  th  -in  said  O  in- 
habitants of  Yathreb,  there  is  no  place  of  security  for  you  Unv.- 
wherefore  return  home.  And  a  part  of  them  asked  leave  of  the 
prophet  to  depart,  s&ying,  Verily  our  houses  are  det'3ncelesd  and 


226  AL  KORAN. 

exposed  to  the  enemy:  but  they  were  not  defenceless  and  their 
intention  was  no  other  than  to  fly.  If  the  city  had  been  entered 
upon  them  by  the  enemy  from  the  parts  adjacent,  and  they  had  been 
asked  to  desert  the  true  believers,  and  to  fight  against  them;  they  had 
surely  consented  thereto :  but  they  had  not,  in  such  case,  remained 
in  th«  same  but  a  little  while.  They  before  made  a  covenant  with 
God,  that  they  would  not  turn  their  backs:  and  the  performance 
of  their  covenant  with  God  shall  be  examined  into  hereafter. 
Say,  Flight  shall  not  profit  you,  if  ye  fly  from  death  or  from 
slaughter:  and  if  it  would,  yet  shall  ye  not  enjoy  this  world  but 
a  little.  Say,  Who  is  he  who  shall  defend  you  against  God,  if 
he  is  pleased  to  bring  evil  on  you,  or  is  pleased  to  show  mercy 
towards  you?  They  shall  find  none  to  patronize  or  protect  them, 
besides  God.  God  already  knoweth  those  among  you  who  hinder 
others  from  following  his  apostle,  and  who  say  unto  their  brethren 
Come  hither  unto  us;  and  who  come  not  to  battle,  except  a  little 
being  covetous  towards  you:  but  when  fear  cometh  on  them,  thou 
seest  them  look  unto  thee  for  assistance,  their  eyes  rolling  about, 
Like  the  eyes  of  him  who  fainteth  by  reason  of  the  agonies  of 
death:  yet  when  their  fear  is  past,  they  inveigh  against  you  with 
sharp  tongues,  being  covetous  of  the  best  and  most  valuable 
part  of  the  spoils.  These  believe  not  sincerely;  wherefore  God 
hath  rendered  their  works  of  no  avail;  and  this  is  easy  with  God. 
They  imagined  that  the  confederates  would  not  depart  and  raise 
the  siege:  and  if  the  confederates  should  come  another  time,  they 
would  wish  to  live  in  the  deserts  among  the  Arabs  who  dwell 
in  tents;  and  there  to  inquire  of  news  concerning  you;  and  al- 
though they  were  with  you  this  time,  yet  they  fought  not,  except 
a  little.  Ye  have  in  the  apostle  of  God  an  excellent  example,  unto 
him  who  hopeth  in  God  and  the  last  day,  and  remembereth  God 
frequently.  When  the  true  believers  saw  the  confederates,  they  >aid. 
This  is  what  God  and  his  apostle  have  foretold  us;  and  God  and 
his  apostle  have  spoken  the  truth:  and  it  only  increased  their  faith 
and  resignation.  Of  the  true  believers,  some  men  justly  performed 
what  they  had  promised  unto  God;  and  some  of  them  have  finished 
their  course,  and  some  of  them  wait  the  same  advantage;  and  they 
changed  not  their  promise,  by  deviating  therefrom  in  the  least :  that 
God  may  reward  the  just  performers  of  their  covenant  for  their 
fidelity;  and  may  punish  the  hypocritical,  if  he  pleaseth,  or  may  be 
turned  unto  them;  for  God  is  ready  to  forgive,  and  merciful.  God 
hath  driven  back  the  infidels  in  their  wrath:  they  obtained  no  ad  van 
tage;  and  God  was  a  sufficient  protector  unto  the  faithful  in  battle; 
for  God  is  strong  and  mighty.  And  he  hath  caused  such  of  those 
who  have  received  the  scriptures,  as  assisted  the  confederates,  to  come 
down  out  of  their  fortresses,  and  he  cast  into  their  hearts  terror  and 
dismay:  a  part  of  them  ye  slew,  and  a  part  ye  made  captives;  and 
God  hath  caused  you  to  inherit  their  land,  and  their  houses,  and  their 


AL  KORAN.  SSJ7 

wealth,  and  a  land  on  which  ye  have  not  trodden;  for  God  is  al- 
mighty. O  piophet,  say  unto  thy  wives.  If  ye  seek  this  present  life, 
and'  the  pomp  thereof,  come,  I  will  make  a  handsome  provision  for 
you,  and  I  will  dismiss  you  with  an  honourable  dismission :  but  if  ye 
seek  God  and  his  apostle,  and  the  life  to  come,  verily  God  hath  pre- 
pared for  such  of  you  as  work  righteousness  a  great  reward.  O  wives 
of  the  prophet,  whosoever  of  you  shall  commit  a  manifest  wicked- 
ness, the  punishment  thereof  shall  be  doubled  unto  her  two-fold;  and 
tliis  is  easy  with  God:  (XXII.)  but  whosoever  of  you  shall  be  obe- 
ilient  unto  God  and  his  apostle,  and  shall  do  that  which  is  right, 
we  will  give  her  her  reward  twice,  and  we  have  prepared  for  her  an 
honourable  provision  in  paradise.  O  wives  of  the  prophet,  ye  are  not 
as  other  women:  if  ye  fear  God,  be  not  too  complaisant  in  speech, 
lest  he  should  covet,  in  whose  heart  is  a  disease  of  incontinence:  but 
speak  the  speech  which  is  convenient.  And  sit  still  in  your  houses; 
and  set  not  out  yourselves  with  the  ostentation  of  the  former  time  of 
ignorance:  and  observe  the  appointed  times  of  prayer,  and  give  alms; 
and  obey  God  and  his  apostle;  for  God  desireth  only  to  remove  from 
you  the  abomination  of  vanity,  since  ye  are  the  household  of  the 
prophet,  ard  to  purify  you  by  a  perfect  purification.  And  remember 
that  which  is  read  in  your  houses,  of  the  signs  of  God,  and  of  the 
Avisdom  revealed  in  the  Koran ;  for  God  is  clear-sighted,  and  well  ac- 
quainted with  your  actions.  Verily  the  Moslems  of  either  sex,  and 
the  true  believers  of  either  sex,  and  the  devout  men,  and  the  devout 
women,  and  the  men  of  veracity,  and  the  women  of  veracity,  and  the 
patient  men,  and  the  patient  women,  and  the  humble  men,  and  the 
humble  women,  and  the  alms-givers  of  either  sex,  and  the  mer  who 
fast,  and  the  women  who  fast,  and  the  chaste  men,  and  the  cnaste 
women,  and  those  of  either  sex  who  remember  God  frequently:  for 
them  hath  God  prepared  forgiveness  and  a  great  reward.  It'is  not 
fit  for  a  true  beF'-t  ver  of  either  sex,  when  God  and  his  apostle  have 
decreed  a  thing,  that  they  should  have  the  liberty  of  choosing  a 
different  matter  of  their  own:  and  whoever  is  disobedient  unto  God 
and  his  apostle,  surely  erreth  with  a  manifest  error.  And  remember 
when  thou  saidst  to  him  unto  whom  God  had  been  gracious,  and  on 
whom  thou  also  hadst  conferred  favours.  Keep  thy  wife  to  thyx  If, 
and  fear  God:  and  thou  didst  conceai  that  in  thy  mind  which  God 
ktd  determined  to  discover,  and  didst  fear  men:  whereas  it  was  more 
just  that  thou  shouldst  fear  God.  But  when  Zeid  had  determined  the. 
matter  concerning  her,  and  had  resolved  to  divorce  her,  we  joined 
her  in  marriage  unto  thee;  lest  a  crime  should  be  charged  on  the  true 
believers,  in  marrying  the  wives  of  their  adopted  sons,  when  they 
have  determined  the  matter  concerning  them:  and  the  command  of 
God  is  to  be  performed.  No  crime  is  to  be  charged  on  the  prophet, 
as  to  what  God  hath  allowed  him.  conformable  to  the  ordinance  of 
God  with  regard  to  those  who  preceded  him  (for  the  command  of 
God  is  a  determinate  decree),  who  brought  the  messages  of  God,  and 


228  AL  KORAN. 

feared  him,  and  feared  none  besides  God:  and  God  is  a  sufficient 
accountant.  Mohammed  is  not  the  father  of  any  man  among  you; 
but  the  apostle  of  God,  and  the  seal  cf  the  prophets:  and  God 
knoweth  all  things  O  true  believers,  remember  God  with  a  fre- 
quent remembrance,  and  celebrate  his  praise  UK. ruing  and  evening. 
It  is  he  who  is  gracious  unto  you,  and  his  angels  intercede  for  you. 
that  he  may  lead  you  forth  from  darkness  into  light;  and  he  is 
merciful  towards  the  true  believers.  Their  salutation,  on  the  day 
whereon  they  shalt  meet  him,  shall  be.  Peace  I  and  he  hath  prepared 
for  them  an  honourable  recompense.  O  prophet,  verilv  we  have  sent 
thee  to  be  a  witness,  and  a  bearer  of  good  ti  lings,  and  a  denouncer 
of  threats,  and  an  inviter  unto  God,  through  his  good  pleasure,  and  a 
shining  light.  Bear  good  tidings  therefore  unto  the  true  believers, 
that  they  shall  receive  great  abundance  from  God.  And  obey  not 
the  unbelievers  and  hypocrites,  and  mind  not  their  evil  treatment:  but 
trust  in  God;  and  God  is  a  sufficient  protector.  O  true  believers, 
when  ye  many  women  who  are  believers,  and  afterwards  put  them 
away  before  ye  have  touched  them,  there  is  no  term  prescribed  you 
to  fulfil  towards  them  after  their  divorce:  but  make  them  a  present, 
and  dismiss  them  freely,  with  an  honourable  dismission.  O  prophet, 
we  have  allowed  thee  thy  wives  unto  whom  thou  hast  given  their 
dower,  and  also  the  slaves  which  thy  right  hand  possesseth,  of  the 
booty  which  God  hath  granted  thee;  and  the  daughters  of  thy 
uncle,  and  the  daughter  of  thy  aunts,  both  on  thy  father's  side  and 
on  thy  mother's  side,  who  have  fled  with  thee  from  Mecca,  and 
any  other  believing  woman,  if  she  give  herself  unto  the  prophet, 
in  case  the  prophet  desireth  to  take  her  to  wife.  This  is  a  peculiar 
privilege  granted  unto  thee,  above  the  rest  of  the  true  believers.  "We 
know  what  we  have  ordained  them  concerning  their  wives,  and  the 
slaves  whom  their  right  hands  possess:  lest  it  should  be  deemed  a 
crime  in  thee  to  make  u«e  of  the  privilege  granted  thee;  for  God  is 
gracious  and  merciful.  Thou  inayest  postpone  the  turn  of  such  of 
thy  wives -as  thou  shalt  please,  in  being  called  to  thy  bed;  and  thou 
mayest  take  unto  thee  her  whom  thou  shalt  please,  and  her  whom 
thou  shalt  desire  of  those  whom  thou  shalt  have  before  rejected:  and 
it  shall  be  no  crime  in  thee.  This  will  be  more  easy,  that  they  may 
be  entirely  content,  and  may  not  be  grieved,  but  may  be  well  pleased 
with  what  thou  shalt  give  every  of  them:  God  knoweth  whatever  is 
in  your  hearts:  and  God  is  knowing  and  gracious.  It  shall  not  be 
law'f  ul  for  thee  to  take  other  women  to  wife  hereafter,  nor  to  exchange 
any  of  thy  wives  for  them,  although  their  beauty  please  thee;  except 
the  slaves  whom  thy  right  hand  shall  possess:  and  God  observeth  all 
things.  O  true  believers,  enter  not  the  houses  of  the  prophet,  unless  it  In- 
permitted  you  to  eat  meat  with  him,  without  waiting  his  convenient 
time:  but  when  ye  are  invited,  then  enter.  And  when  ye  shall  have 
eaten,  disperse  yourselves;  and  stay  not  to  enter  into  familiar  dis- 
course :  for  this  incommodeth  the  prophet.  He  is  ashamed  to  bid 


AL  KORAN.  229 

you  depart;  but  God  is  not  ashamed  of  the  truth.  And  when  ye  ask 
of  the  prophet's  wives  what  ye  may  have  occasion  for,  ask  it  of  them 
from  behind  a  curtain.  This  will  be  more  pure  for  your  hearts  and 
I  heir  hearts.  Neither  is  it  tit  for  you  to  give  any  uneasiness  to  the 
apostle  of  God,  or  to  many  his  wives  after  him  for  ever:  for  this 
would  be  a  grievous  thing  in  the  sight  of  God.  Whether  ye  divulge 
a  thing,  or  conceal  it,  verily  God  knoweth  all  things.  It  shall  be  no 
crime  in  them  as  to  their  fathers,  or  their  sons,  or  their  brothers,  or 
their  brothers'  sons,  or  their  sisters'  sons,  or  their  women,  or  the 
slaves  which  their  right  hands  possess,  if  they  speak  to  them  unveiled: 
and  fear  ye  God;  for  God  is  witness  of  all  things.  Verily  God  and 
his  angels  bless  the  prophet:  O  true  believers,  do  ye  also  bless  him, 
and  salute  him  with  a  respectful  salutation.  As  to  those  who  offend 
God  and  his  apostle,  God  shall  curse  them  in  this  world  and  in  the 
next;  and  he  hath  prepared  for  them  a  shameful  punishment.  And 
they  who  shall  injure  the  true  believers  of  either  sex,  without  their 
deserving  it,  shall  surely  bear  the  guilt  of  calumny  and  a  manifest  in- 
justice. O  prophet,  speak  unto  thy  wives,  and  thy  daughters,  and 
the  wives  of  the  true  believers,  that  they  cast  their  outer  garments 
over  them  when  they  walk  abroad;  this  will  be  more  proper,  that 
they  may  be  known  to  be  matrons  of  reputation,  and  may  not  be 
affronted  by  unseemly  words  or  actions.  God  is  gracious  and  merci- 
ful. Verily  if  the  hypocrites,  and  those  in  whose  hearts  is  an  infirmity, 
and  they  who  raise  disturbance*?  in  Medina,  do  not  desist;  we  will 
surely  stir  thee  up  against  them,  to  chastise  them:  henceforth  they 
shall  not  be  suffered  to  dwell  near  thee  therein,  except  for  a  little 
time,  and  being  accursed;  wherever  they  are  found  they  shall  be 
taken,  and  killed  with  a  general  slaughter,  according  to  the  sentence 
of  God  concerning  those  who  have  been  before ;  and  thou  shall  not 
find  any  change  in  the  sentence  of  God.  Men  will  ask  thee  concern- 
ing the  approach  of  the  last  hour:  answer,  Verily  the  knowledge 
thereof  is  with  God  alone ;  and  he  will  not  inform  thee :  peradventure 
(he  hour  is  nigh  at  hand.  Verily  God  hath  cursed  the  infidels,  and 
.',iath  prepared  for  tkern  a  fierce  fire,  wherein  they  shall  remain  for 
over:  they  shall  find  no  patron  or  defender.  On  the  day  whereon 
their  faces  shall  be  rolled  in  hell  fire,  they  shall  say,  Oh  that  we  had 
.obeyed  ( Jod,  and  had  obeyed  his  apostie!  And  th'jy  shall  say,  O  Lord, 
verily  we  have  obeyed  our  lords  and  our  great  men ;  and  they  have 
seduced  us  from  the  right  way.  O  Lord,  give  taein  the  double  of 
our  punishment;  and  curse  them  with  a  heavy  curse!  O  true  believ- 
ers, be  not  as  those  who  injured  Moses;  but  God  cleared  him  from 
the  scandal  which  they  had  spoken  concerning  him;  and  he  was  of 
great  consideration  in  the  sight,  of  God.  O  true  believers,  fear  God, 
and  speak  words  well  directed;  that  God  may  correct  your  works  for 
you,  and  may  forgive  you  your  sins:  and  whoever  sh-ill  obey  God 
and  his  apostle,  shall  enjoy  great  felicity.  We  proposed  the  fa:th 
unto  the  heavens,  and  the  earth,  and  the  mountains:  aud  tl'ey  .refused 


230  AL  KORAN. 

to  undertake  the  same,  and  were  afraid  thereof;  but  man  undertook 
it:  verily  he  was  unjust  to  himself,  and  foolish:  that  God  may  punish 
the  hypocritical  men,  and  the  hypocritical  women,  and  the  idolaters, 
and  the  idolatresses;  and  that  God  may  be  turned  unto  the  true  be- 
lievers, both  men  and  women;  for  God  is  gracious  and  merciful. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

ENTITLED,    SABA;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

PRAISE  be  to  God,  unto  whom  belongeth  whatever  is  in  the 
heavens  and  on  earth:  and  unto  him  be  praise  in  the  world  to  come; 
for  he  is  wise  and  intelligent.  He  knowcth  whatsoever  eutereth  into 
the  earth,  and  whatsoever  comet h  out  of  the  same,  and  whatsoever 
descendeth  from  heaven,  and  whatsoever  ascendeth  thereto:  and  he 
is  merciful  and  ready  to  forgive.  The  unbelievers  say,  The  hour  of 
judgment  will  not  corne  unto  us.  Answer,  Yea,  by  my  Lord,  it  will 
surely  come  unto  you;  it  is  he  who  knoweth  the  hidden  secret:  the 
weight  of  an  ant,  either  in  heaven  or  in  earth,  is  not  absent  from  him, 
nor  anything  lesser  than  this,  or  greater,  but  the  same  is  written  in 
the  perspicuous  book  of  his  decrees;  that  he  may  recompense  those 
who  shall  have  believed  and  wrought  righteousness:  they  shall  receive 
pardon  and  an  honourable  provision.  But  they  who  endeavour  to 
render  our  signs  of  none  effect,  shall  receive  a  punishment  of  painful 
torment.  Those  unto  whom  knowledge  hath  been  given,  see  that  the 
book  which  hath  been  revealed  unto  thee  from  thy  Lord  is  the  truth, 
and  directeth  into  the  glorious  and  laudable  way.  The  unbelievers  say 
to  one  another.  Shall  we  show  you  a  man  who  shall  prophesy  unto 
you,  that  when  ye  shall  have  been  dispersed  with  a  total  dispersion, 
ye  shall  be  raised  a  new  creature?  He  hath  forged  a  lie  concerning 
God,  or  rather  he  is  distracted.  But  they  wiio  believe  not  in  the  life 
to  come,  shall  fall  into  punishment  and  a  wide  error.  Have  they  not 
therefore  considered  what  is  lie  fort;  them,  and  what  is  behind  them, 
of  the  heaven  and  the  earth?  If  we  please,  we  will  cause  the  earth 
to  open  and  swallow  them  up,  or  will  cause  a  piece  of  the  heaven  tc 
fall  upon  them:  verih'  herein  is  a  sign  unto  every  servant,  who  turn- 
etli  uiito  God.  We  heretofore  bestowed  on  David  excellence  from 
us:  and  we  said,  O  mountains,  sing  alternate  praises  with  him;  and 
we  obliged  the  birds  also  to  join  therein.  And  we  softened  the  iron 
for  him,  saying,  Make  thereof  complete  coats  of  mail,  and  rightly  dis- 
].n--e  the  small  plates  which  compose  the  same:  and  work  ye  right- 
eousness, O  family  of  David;  for  I  see  that  which  ye  do.  And  we 
made  the  wind  subject  unto  Solomon:  it  blew  in  the  morning  for  a 
month,  and  in  the  evening  for  a  month.  And  we  made  a  fountain 
of  molten  brass  to  flow  for  him.  And  some  of  the  genii  were  obliged  to 


AL  KORAN.  S81 

*v«Ts  presence.by  the  will  of  his  Lord ;  and  whoever  of  them  turn 
ed  asla^  'trom  our  command,  we  will  cause  him  to  taste  the  pain  of  hell 
fire.  They  made  for  him  whatever  he  pleased,  of  palaces,  and  statues, 
and  large  dishes  like  fishponds,  and  cauldrons  standing  firm  on  their 
trevets;  and  we  said,  Work  righteousness,  O  family  of  David,  with 
thanksgiving;  for  few  of  my  servants  are  thankful.  And  when  we  had 
decreed  that  Solomon  should  die,  nothing  discovered  his  death  unto 
them,  except  the  creeping  thing  of  the  earth,  which  gnawed  his  staff. 
And  when  his  body  fell  down,  the  genii  plainly  perceived  that  if  they 
had  known  that  which  is  secret,  they  had  not  continued  in  a  vile  punish- 
ment. The  descendants  of  Saba  had  heretofore  a  sign  in  their  dwell- 
ings; namely,  two  gardens,  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left:  and  it 
was  said  unto  them,  Eat  ye  of  the  provision  of  youj  Lord,  and  give 
thanks  unto  him ;  ye  have  a  good  country,  and  a  gracious  Lord.  But 
they  turned  aside  from  what  we  had  commanded  th  m:  wherefore  we 
sent  against  them  the  inundation  of  al  Arem,  and  we  changed  their 
two  gardens  for  them  into  two  gardens  producing  bitter  fruit,  and 
tamarisks,  and  some  little  fruit  of  the  lote-tree.  This  we  gave  them 
in  reward,  because  they  were  ungrateful:  is  any  thus  rewarded  ex- 
cept the  ungrateful?  And  wre  placed  between  them  and  the  cities 
which  we  have  blessed,  cities  situate  near  each  other;  and  we  maf'e 
the  journey  easy  between  them,  saying,  Travel  through  the  same  by 
night  and  by  day,  in  security.  But  they  said,  O  Lord,  put  a  greater 
distance  between  our  journeys:  and  they  were  unjust  unto  them- 
selves; and  we  made  them  the  subject  of  discourse,  and  dispersed 
them  with  a  total  dispersion.  Verily  herein  are  signs,  unto  every 
patient,  grateful  person.  And  Eblis  found  his  opinion  of  them  to  be 
true:  and  they  followed  him,  except  a  party  of  the  true  believers: 
and  he  had  no  power  over  them,  unless  to  tempt  them,  that  we  might 
know  him  who  believed  in  the  life  to  come,  from  him  who  doui  ted 
thereof.  Thy  Lord  observeth  all  things.  Say  unto  the  idolaters, 
Call  upon  those  whom  ye  imagine  to  be  gods,  besides  God,  they  are 
not  masters  of  the  weight  of  an  ant  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  neither 
have  they  any  share  in  the  creation  or  government  of  the  same;  nor 
is  any  of  them  assistant  to  him  therein.  Xo  intercession  will  be  of 
service  in  his  presence,  except  the  intercession  of  him  to  whom  he 
shall  grant  permission  to  intercede  for  others :  and  they  shall  wait  in 
suspense  until,  when  the  terror  shall  l>e  taken  off  from  their  hearts, 
they  shall  say  to  one  another.  What  doth  your  Lord  say?  They  shall 
answer,  That  which  is  just:  and  he  is  the  high,  the  great  God.  Say, 
Who  provideth  food  for  j'ou  from  heaven  and  earth?  Answer,  God: 
and  either  we,  or  ye,  follow  the  true  direction,  or  are  in  a  manifest 
error.  Say,  Ye  shall  not  be  examined  concerning  what  we  shall 
have  committed:  neither  shall  we  be  examined  concerning  what  ye 
shall  have  done.  Say,  Our  Lord  will  assemble  us  together  at  the 
last  day.  then  will  he  judge  between  us  with  truth;  and  he  is  the 
judge,  the  knowing  Say,  Show  me  those  whom  ye  have  joined  aa 


233  AL  KORAN. 

partners  with  him?  Nay;  rather  he  is  the  mighty,  the  wise  God. 
We  have  not  sent  thee  otherwise  than  unto  mankind  in  general,  a 
bearer  of  good  tidings,  and  a  denouncer  of  threats:  but  the  greater 
part  of  men  dc  not  understand.  And  they  say,  "When  will  this 
threat  be  fulfilled,  if  ye  speak  truth?  Answer,  A  threat  is  denounced 
unto  you  of  a  day  which  ye  shall  not  retard  one  hour,  neither  shall 
ve  hasten.  The  unbelievers  .-ay.  We  will  by  no  means  believe  in  this 
feoran,  nor  in  that  which  hath  been  revealed  before  it.  But  if  thou 
couldst  see  when  the  unjust  doers  shall  be  set  before  their  Lord! 
They  will  iterate  discourse  with  one  another:  those  who  were 
esteemed  weak  shall  say  unto  those  wh )  behaved  themselves  arro- 
gantly, Had  it  not  been  for  you,  verily  we  had  been  true  be- 
lievers. They  who  behaved  themselves  arrogantly  shall  say  unto 
those  who  were  esteemed  weak,  Did  we  turn  you  aside  from 
the  true  direction,  after  it  had  come  unto  you?  On  the  contrary,  ye 
acted  wickedly  of  your  own  free  choice.  And  they  who  were  esteem- 
ed weak  shall  say  unto  those  who  behaved  with  arrogance,  Nay,  but 
the  crafty  plot  which  ye  devised  by  night  and  by  day.  occasioned  our 
ruin,  when  ye  commanded  us  that  we  should  not  believe  in  God,  and 
that  we  should  set  up  other  gods  as  equal  unto  him.  And  they  shall 
conceal  their  repentance,  after  they  shall  have  seen  the  punishment 
prepared  for  them.  And  we  will  put  yokes  on  the  necks  of  those  who 
shall  have  disbelieved:  shall  they  be  rewarded  any  otherwise  than  ac- 
cording to  what  they  shall  have  wrought?  We  have  sent  no  wamer 
unto  any  city,  but  the  inhabitants  thereof  who  lived  in  affluence  sail'.. 
Verily  we  believe  not  that  with  which  ye  are  sent.  And  those  of 
Mecca  also  say,  We  abound  in  riches  and  children  more  than  ye,  and 
we  shall  not  be  punished  hereafter.  Answer, Verily  my  Lord  will 
bestow  provision  in  abundance  unto  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  will  be 
sparing  unto  whom  he  pleaseth:  but  the  greater  part  of  men  know  not 
this.  Xeither  your  riches  nor  your  children  are  the  things  which  shall 
cause  you  to  draw  nigh  unto  us  with  a  near  approach :  only  whoever 
believeth,  and  worketh  righteousness,  they  shall  receive  a  double  re- 
ward for  that  which  they  shall  have  wrought;  and  they  shall  dwell  in 
security,  in  the  upper  apartments  of  paradise.  But  they  who  shall 
endeavour  to  render  our  signs  of  none  effect,  shall  be  delivered  up  to 
punishment.  Say, Verily  my  Lord  will  bestow  provision  in  abun- 
dance unto  whom  he  pleaseth  of  his  servants,  and  will  be  sparing  unto 
whom  he  pleaseth:  and  whatever  thing  ye  shall  give  in  alms,  he  will 
return  it;  and  he  is  the  best  provider  of  food.  On  a  certain  day  he 
shall  gather  them  all  together:  then  shall  he  say  unto  the  angels,  Did 
these  worship  you?  And  the  angels  shall  answer,  God  forbid!  thou 
art  our  friend,  and  not  these:  but  they  worshipped  devils;  the  greater 
part  of  them  believed  in  them.  On  this  day  the  one  of  you  shall  not 
be  able  either  to  profit  or  to  hurt  the  other.  And  we  will  say  unto 
those  who  have  acted  unjustly,  Taste  ye  the  pain  of  hell  fire,  which 
ye  rejected  as  a  falsehood.  When  our  evident  signs  are  read  unto 


AL  KORAN.  238 

them,  they  say  of  thee,  O  Mohammed,  This  is  no  other  than  a  man, 
who  seeketh  to  turn  you  aside  from  the  gods  which  your  fathers 
worshipped.  And  they  say  of  the  Koran,  This  is  no  other  than  a  lie 
blasphemously  forged.  And  the  unbelievers  say  of  the  truth,  when  it 
is  come  unto  them,  This  is  no  other  than  manifest  sorcery:  yet  we 
have  given  them  no  book  of  scripture  wherein  to  exercise  themselves, 
nor  have  \ve  sent  unto  them  any  warner  before  thee.  They  who  were 
before  them  in  like  manner  accused  their  prophets  of  imposture :  but 
these  have  not  arrived  unto  the  tenth  part  of  the  riches  and  strength 
which  we  had  bestowed  on  the  former:  and  they  accused  my  apostles 
of  imposture;  and  how  severe  was  my  vengeance!  Say,  Verily  I 
advise  you  unto  one  thing,  namely,  that  ye  stand  before  God  by  two 
and  two,  and  singly;  and  then  consider  seriously,  and  you  will  find 
that  there  is  no  madness  in  your  companion  Mohammed:  he  is  no 
other  than  a  warner  unto  you,  sent  before  a  severe  punishment.  Say, 
I  ask  not  of  you  any  reward  for  my  preaching;  it  is  your  own,  either 
to  give  or  not:  my  reward  is  to  be  expected  from  God  alone;  and  he 
is  witness  over  all  things.  Say.Verily  my  Lord  sendeth  down  the 
truth  to  his  prophets:  he  is  the  knower  of  secrets.  Say,  Truth  is 
come,  and  falsehood  is  vanished,  and  shall  not  return  any  more. 
Say,  If  I  err,  verily  I  shall  err  only  against  my  own  soul:  but  if  I  be 
rightly  directed,  it  will  be  by  that  winch  my  Lord  revealeth  unto  me; 
for  he  is  ready  to  hear,  and  nigh  unto  those  who  call  upon  him.  If 
thou  couldst  see,  when  the  unbelievers  shall  tremble,  and  shall  find 
no  refuge,  and  shall  be  taken  from  a  near  place,  and  shall  say,  We 
believe  in  him!  But  how  shall  they  receive  the  faith  from  a  distant 
place:  since  they  had  before  denied  him,  and  reviled  the  mystery  of 
faith,  from  a  distant  place?  And  a  bar  shall  be  placed  between  them 
and  that  which  they  shall  desire ;  as  it  hath  been  done  with  those  who 
behaved  like  them  heretofore:  because  they  have  been  in  a  doubt 
which  hath  caused  scandal. 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

ENTITLED,    THE   CREATOR  ;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

PRAISE  be  unto  God,  the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth;  who  makcth 
ihe  angels  his  messengers,  furnished  with  two,  and  three,  and  four 
pair  of  wings:  God  maketh  what  he  pleaseth  unto  his  creatures;  for 
God  is  almighty.  The  mercy  which  God  shall  freely  bestow  on 
mankind,  there  is  none  who  can  withhold;  and  what  he  shall  with- 
hold, there  is  none  who  can  bestow,  besides  him:  and  he  is  the  mighty, 
the  wise.  O  men,  remember  ihe  favour  of  God  towards  you:  is  there 
any  creator,  besides  God,  who  provideth  food  for  you  from  heaven 
and  earth?  There  is  no  God  but  he:  how  therefore  are  ye  turned 


234  AL  KORAN. 

aside  from  acknowledging  his  unity?  If  they  accuse  thee  of  impos- 
ture, apostles  before  thee  have  also  been  accused  of  imposture;  and 
unto  God  shall  all  things  return.  O  men,  verily  the  promise  of  God 
is  true :  let  not  therefore  the  present  life  deceive  you,  neither  let  the 
deceiver  deceive  you  concerning  God :  for  Satan  is  an  enemy  unto 
you;  wherefore  hold  him  for  an  enemy:  he  only  inviteth  his  con- 
federates to  be  the  inhabitants  of  hell.  For  those  who  believe  not 
there  is  prepared  a  severe  torment:  but  for  those  who  shall  believe 
and  do  that  which  is  right,  is  prepared  mercy  and  a  great  reward. 
Shall  he  therefore  for  whom  his  evil  work  hath  been  prepared,  and 
who  imagineth  it  to  be  good,  be  as  he  who  is  rightly  disposed  and 
discerneth  the  truth?  Verily  God  will  cause  to  err  whom  he  plcaseth, 
and  will  direct  whom  he  pleaseth.  Let  not  thy  soul  therefore  be  spent 
in  sighs  for  their  sakes,  on  account  of  their  obstinacy ;  for  God  well 
knoweth  that  which  they  do.  It  is  God  who  sendeth  the  winds,  and 
raiseth  a  cloud;  and  we  drive  the  same  unto  a  dead  country,  and 
thereby  quicken  the  earth  after  it  hath  been  dead:  so  shall  the  resur- 
rection be.  Whoever  desireth  excellence,  unto  God  doth  all  excellence 
belong:  unto  him  ascendeth  the  good  speech;  and  the  righteous  work 
will  he  exalt.  But  as  for  them  who  devise  wicked  plots,  they  shaL 
suffer  a  severe  punishment;  and  the  device  of  those  men  shall  be  ren- 
dered vain.  God  created  you  first  of  the  dust,  and  afterwards  of  seed: 
and  he  hath  made  you  man  and  wife.  Is  o  female  conceiveth.or  bringeth 
forth,  but  with  his  knowledge.  Nor  is  anything  added  unto  the  age 
of  him  whose  life  is  prolonged,  neither  is  anything  diminished  from 
his  age,  but  the  same  is  written  in  the  book  of  God's  decrees.  Verily 
this  is  easy  with  God.  The  two  seas  are  not  to  be  held  in  compari- 
son, this  is  fresh  and  sweet,  pleasant  to  drink;  but  that  is  salt  and 
bitter:  yet  out  of  each  of  them  ye  eat  fish,  and  take  ornaments 
for  you  to  wear.  Thou  seest  the  ships  also  ploughing  the  waves  there- 
of, that  ye  may  seek  to  enrich  yourselves  by  commerce,  of  the  abun- 
dance of  God :  peradventure  ye  will  be  thankful.  He  causeth  the  night 
to  succeed  the  day,  and  he  causeth  the  day  to  succeed  the  night; 
and  he  obligeth  the  sun  and  the  moon  to  perform  their  services: 
each  of  them  runneth  an  appointed  course.  This  is  God,  your  Lord : 
his  is  the  kingdom.  But  the  idols  which  ye  invoke  besides  him  have 
not  the  power  even  over  the  skin  of  a  date-stone:  if  ye  invoke  them, 
they  will' not  hear  your  calling;  and  although  they  should  hear,  yet 
they  would  not  answer  you.  On  the  day  of  resurrection  they  shall 
disclaim  your  having  associated  them  with  God:  and  none  shall 
declare  unto  thee  the  truth,  like  one  who  is  well  acquainted  therewith. 
O  men,  ye  have  need  of  God ;  but  God  is  self-sufficient,  and  to  be 
praised.  If  he  pleaseth,  he  can  take  you  away,  and  produce  a  new 
creature  in  your  stead:  neither  Avill  this  be  difficult  with  God.  A 
burdened  soul  shall  not  bear  the  burden  of  another:  and  if  a  heavy- 
burdened  soul  call  on  another  to  bear  part  of  its  burden,  no  part 
thereof  shall  be  borne  by  the  person  ^-ho  shall  be  called  on,  although 


235 

hfc  *w  tfffr  so  nearly  related.  Thou  shaft  admonish  those  who  fear 
the-r  Lofd  in  secret,  and  are  constant  at  prayer:  and  whoever 
cleufti^Ui  iumself  from  the  guilt  of  disobedience,  cleanseth  himself  to 
the  jdvaulfage  of  his  own  soul;  for  all  shall  be  assembled  before  God 
at  tl.c  last  day.  The  blind  and  the  seeing  shall  not  be  held  equal; 
neither  darkn&ss  and  light;  nor  the  cool  shade  and  the  scorching 
wind:  neither  shall  the  living  and  the  dead  be  held  equal.  God 
shall  cause  him  to  hear  whom  he  pleaseth :  but  thou  shall  not  make 
those  to  hear  who  are  in  their  graves.  Thou  art  no  other  than  a 
preacher:  verily  we  have  sent  thee  with  truth,  a  bearer  of  good 
tidings,  and  a  denouncer  of  threats.  There  hath  been  no  nation,  but 
a  preacher  Lath  in  past  times  been  conversant  among  them:  if  they 
charge  thee  with  imposture,  they  who  were  before  them  likewise 
charged  their  apostles  \vith  imposture.  Their  apostles  came  unto 
them  with  evident  miracies,  and  with  divine  writings,  and  with  the 
enlightening  book:  afterwards  I  chastised  those  who  were  unbelievers, 
and  how  severe  was  my  vengeance!  Dost  thou  not  see  that  God 
sendeth  down  rain  from  heaven,  and  that  we  thereby  produce  fruits  of 
various  colours?  In  the  mountain  also  there  are  some  tracts  white 
and  red,  of  various  colours;  and  others  are  of  a  deep  black:  and  of 
men,  and  beasts,  and  cattle  there  are  whose  colours  are  in  like  manner 
various.  Such  only  of  his  servants  fear  God  as  are  endued  with 
understanding:  verily  God  is  mighty  and  ready  to  forgive.  Verily 
they  who  read  the  book  of  God,  and  are  constant  at  prayer,  and  give 
alms  out  of  what  we  we  have  bestowed  on  them,  both  in  secret  and 
openly,  hope  for  a  merchandise  which  shall  not  perish :  that  God  may 
fully  pay  them  their  wages,  and  make  them  a  superabundant  addition 
of  his  liberality;  for  he  is  ready  to  forgive  the  faults  of  his  servants, 
and  to  requite  their  endeavours.  That  which  we  have  revealed  unto 
thee  of  the  book  of  the  Koran,  is  the  truth,  confirming  the  scriptures 
which  were  revealed  before  it;  for  God  knoweth  and  regardeth  his 
servants.  And  we  have  given  the  book  of  the  Koran  in  heritage  unto 
such  of  our  servants  as  we  have  chosen :  of  them  there  is  one  who 
iujureth  his  own  soul ;  and  there  is  another  of  them  who  keepeth  the 
middle  way;  and  there  is  another  of  them  who  outstrippeth  others  in 
good  works,  by  the  permission  of  God.  This  is  the  great  excellence. 
They  shall  be  introduced  into  gardens  of  perpetual  abode ;  they  shall 
be  adorned  therein  with  bracelets  of  gold  and  pearls,  and  their 
clothing  therein  shall  be  of  silk-  and  they  shall  say,  Praise  be  unto 
God, who  hath  taken  away  sorrow  from  us!  verily  our  Lord  is  ready 
to  forgive  the  sinners,  and  to  reward  the  obedient:  who  have  caused 
us  to  take  up  our  rest  in  a  dwelling  of  eternal  stability,  through  his 
bounty,  wherein  no  labour  shall  touch  us,  neither  shall  any  weariness 
affect  us.  But  for  the  unbelievers  is  prepared  the  fire  of  hell:  it  shall 
not  be  decreed  them  to  die  a  second  time;  neither  shall  any  part  of 
the  punishment  thereof  be  made  lighter  unto  them.  Thus  shall  every 
infidel  be  rewarded.  And  they  shall  cry  out  aloud  in  hell,  saying, 


836  AL  KORAN. 

Lord,  take  us  himce,  and  we  will  work  righteous?  ess,  and  not  what 
we  have  formerly  wrought.  But  it  shall  be  answered  them,  Did  we 
not  grant  you  lives  of  length  sufficient,  that  whoever  would  be  warned 
might  be  warned  therein;  and  did  not  the  preacher  come  unto  you  ? 
taste,  therefore,  the  pains  of  hell.  And  the  unjust  shall  have  no  pro- 
tector. Verily  God  knoweth  the  secrets  both  of  heaven  and  earth, 
for  he  knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  the  breasts  of  men.  It  is  he  who 
hath  made  you  to  succeed  in  the  earth.  "Whoever  shall  disbelieve,  on 
him  be  his  unbelief  :  and  their  unbelief  shal}  only  gain  the  unbelievers 
greater  indignation  in  the  sight  of  their  Lord;  and  their  unbelief  shall 
only  increase  the  perdition  of  the  unbelievers.  Say,  What  think  ye  of 
your  deities  which  ye  invoke  besides  Grxl  ?  Show  me  what  part  of 
the  earth  they  have  created.  Or  had  they  any  share  in  the  creation  of 
the  heavens  ?  Have  we  given  unto  the  idolaters  any  book  of  reve- 
lations, so  that  they  may  rely  on  any  proof  therefrom  to  authorize  their 
practice?  Nay  but  the  ungodly  make  unto  one  another  only  deeeitful 
promises.  Verily  God  sustaineth  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  lest  they 
fail :  and  if  they  should  fail,  none  could  support  the  same  besjdes  him; 
he  is  gracious  and  merciful.  The  Koreish  swore,  by  God,  with  a  most 
solemn  oath,  that  if  a  preacher  had  come  unto  them,  thev  would 
surely  have  been  more  willingly  directed  than  any  nation.  But  now 
a  preacher  is  come  unto  them,  it  hath  only  increased  in  them  their 
aversion  from  the  truth,  their  arrogance  in  the  earth,  and  their  con- 
triving of  evil;  but  the  contrivance  of  evil  shall  only  encompass  the 
authors  thereof.  Do  they  expect  any  other  than  the  punislipient 
awarded  against  the  unbelievers  of  former  times  'I  For  thou  .shall  not 
find  any  change  in  the  ordinance  of  God,  neither  shall  thou  find  any 
variation  in  the  ordinance  of  God.  Have  they  not  gone  through 
the  earth,  and  seen  what  hath  been  the  end  of  tho?e  who  were  before 
them;  although  they  were  more  mighty  in  strength  than  they  ?  God 
is  not  to  be  frustrated  by  any  tiling  either  in  heaven  or  on  earUi ;  for  he 
is  wise  and  powerful.  If  God  should  punish  men  svoording  to  what 
they  deserve,  he  would  not  leave  on  the  back  of  the  *.ur*b  ,*c  ti'url.'  a? 
a  beast;  but  he  respiteth  them  to  a  determined  time:  .<on  ^ 'hi  a  ti>u>r 
time  shall  come,  verily  God  will  Tf^nl  his  servants. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

ENTITLED,   Y.    S  ;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

Y.  S.  I  swear  by  the  instructive  Koran,  that  thou  art  one  of  the 
messengers  of  God,  sent  to  show  the  right  way.  This  is  a  reve- 
lation of  the  most  mighty,  the  merciful  God:  that  thou  mayest 
warn  a  people  whose  fathers  were  not  warned,  and  who  live  in  negli- 
gence. Our  sentence  hath  justly  been  pronounced  against  the  greater 
part  of  them;  wherefore  they  shall  not  believe.  We  have  put  yokes 
on  their  necks,  which  come  up  to  their  chins;  and  they  are  forced  to 
hold  up  their  heads:  and  we  have  set  a  bar  before  them,  and  a  bar 
behind  them;  and  we  have  covered  them  with  darkness;  wherefore 
they  shall  not  see.  It  shall  be  equal  unto  them  whether  thou  preach 
unto  them,  or  do  not  preach  unto  them ;  they  shall  not  believe.  But 
thou  shalt  preach  with  effect  unto  them  only  who  followeth  the  admoni- 
tion of  the  Koran,  and  feareth  the  Merciful  in  secret.  Wherefore  bear 
good  tidings  unto  him,  of  mercy,  and  an  honourable  reward.  Verily 
we  will  restore  the  dead  to  life,  and  will  write  down  their  works  which 
they  shall  have  sent  before  them,  and  their  footsteps  which  they  shall 
have  left  behind  them ;  and  everything  do  we  set  down  in  a  plain 
register.  Propound  unto  them  as  an  example  the  inhabitants  of  the 
city  of  Antioch,  when  the  apostles  of  Jesus  came  thereto :  when  we 
sent  unto  them  two  of  the  said  apostles;  but  they  charged  them  with 
imposture.  Wherefore  we  strengthened  them  with  a  third.  And  they 
said,  Verily  we  are  sent  unto  you  by  God.  The  inhabitants  answered, 
Ye  are  no  other  than  men,  as  we  are;  neither  hath  the  Merciful  re- 
vealed anything  unto  you:  ye  only  publish  a  lie.  The  apostles 
replied,  Our  Lord  knoweth  that  we  are  really  sent  unto  you.  and 
our  duty  is  only  public  preaching.  Those  of  Antioch  said,  Verily 
we  presage  evil  from  you :  if  ye  desist  not  from  preaching,  we  will 
surely  stone  you,  and  a  painful  punishment  shall  be  inflicted  on  you 
by  us.  The  apostles  answered,  Your  evil  presage  is  with  yourselves: 
although  ye  be  warned,  will  ye  persist  in  your  errors  ?  Verily  ye  are 
a  people  who  transgress  exceedingly.  And  a  certain  man  came 
hastily  from  the  farther  parts  of  the  city,  and  said,  O  my  people, 
follow  the  messengers  of  God;  follow  him  who  demandeth  not  any 
reward  of  you  :  for  these  are  rightly  directed.  (XXIII.)  What 
reason  have  I  that  I  should  not  worship  him  who  hath  created  me? 
for  unto  him  shall  ye  return.  Shall  I  take  other  gods  besides  him? 
If  the  merciful  be  pleased  to  afflict  me,  their  intercession  will  not 
avail  me  at  all,  neither  can  they  deliver  me:  then  should  I  be  in  a 


238  AL  KORAN. 

manifest  error.  Verily  I  believe  in  your  Lord;  wherefore  hearken 
unto  me.  But  they  stoned  him;  and  as  he  died,  it  was  said  unto 
him,  Enter  thou  into  paradise.  And  he  said,  0  that  my  people  knew 
how  merciful  God  hath  been  unto  me!  for  he  hath  highly  honoured 
me.  And  we  sent  not  down  against  his  people,  after  they  had  slain 
him,  an  army  from  heaven,  nor  the  other  instruments  of  destruction 
which  we  sent  down  on  unbelievers  in  former  days;  there  was  only 
one  cry  of  Gabriel  from  heaven,  and  behold,  they  became  utterly  ex- 
tinct. O  the  misery  of  men!  No  apostle  cometh  unto  them,  but 
they  laugh  him  to  scorn.  Do  they  not  consider  how  many  genera- 
tions we  have  destroyed  before  them?  Verily  they  shall  not  return 
unto  them;  but  all  of  them  in  general  shall  be  assembled  before  us. 
One  sign  of  the  resurrection  unto  them  is  the  dead  earth;  we  quicken 
the  same  by  the  rain,  and  produce  thereout  various  sorts  of  grain, 
of  which  they  eat.  And  we  make  therein  gardens  of  palm-trees, 
and  vines;  and  we  cause  springs  to  gush  forth  in  the  same  that 
they  may  eat  of  the  fruits  thereof,  and  of  the  labour  of  their  hands. 
Will  they  not  therefore  give  thanks?  Praise  be  unto  him  who  hath 
created  all  the  different  kinds,  both  of  vegetables,  which  the  earth 
bringeth  forth,  and  of  their  own  species,  by  forming  the  two  sexes, 
and  also  the  various  sorts  of  things  which  they  know  not.  The  night 
also  is  a  sign  unto  them:  we  withdraw  the  day  from  the  same,  and  be- 
hold, they  are  covered  with  darkness'  and  the  sun  hasteneth  to  his 
place  of  rest.  This  is  the  disposition  of  the  mighty,  the  wise  God. 
And  for  the  moon  have  we  appointed  certain  mansions,  until  she 
change  and  return  to  be  like  the  old  branch  of  a  palm  tree.  It  is 
not  expedient  that  the  sun  should  overtake  the  moon  in  her  course; 
neither  doth  the  night  outstrip  the  day  but  each  of  these  luminaries 
moveth  in  a  peculiar  orbit.  It  is  a  sign  also  unto  them,  that  we 
carry  their  offspring  in  the  ship  filled  with  merchandise;  and  that 
we  have  made  for  them  other  conveniences,  like  unto  it,  whereon 
they  ride.  If  we  please,  we  drown  them,  and  there  is  none  to  help 
them;  neither  are  they  delivered,  unless  through  our  mercy,  and  that 
they  may  enjoy  life  for  a  season.  When  it  is  said  unto  them,  Fear 
that  which  is  before  you,  and  that  which  is  behind  you,  thai  ye 
may  obtain  mercy;  they  withdraw  from  thee:  and  thou  dost  not 
bring  them  one  sign,  of  the  signs  of  their  Lord,  but  they  turn  aside 
from  the  same.  And  when  it  is  said  unto  them,  Give  alms  of  that 
which  God  hath  bestowed  on  you;  the  unbelievers  say  unto  those  who 
believe,  by  way  of  mockery,  Shall  we  feed  him  whom  God  can  feed, 
if  he  pleaseth?  Verily  ye  are  in  no  other  than  a  manifest  error.  And 
they  say,  When  will  this  promise  of  the  resurrection  be  fulfilled,  if  ye 
speak  truth?  They  only  wait  for  one  sounding  of  the  trumpet,  which 
shall  overtake  them  while  they  are  disputing  together;  and  they  shall 
not  have  time  to  make  any  disposition  of  their  effects,  neither  shall  they 
return  to  their  family.  And  the  trumpet  shall  be  sounded  again; 
and  behold  they  shall  come  forth  from  their  graves,  and  hasten  unto 


AL  KORA3.  230 

their  Lord.  They  shall  say,  Alas  for  us  !  who  hath  awakened  us  from 
curbed?  This  is  what  the  Merciful  promised  us;  and  his  apostles 
spoke  the  truth.  It  shall  be  but  one  sound  of  the  trumpet,  and  be- 
hold, they  shall  be  all  assembled  before  us.  On  this  day  no  soul  shall 
be  unjustly  treated  in  the  least;  neither  shall  ye  be  rewarded,  but 
rdin  to 


according  to  what  ye  shall  have  wrought.  On  this  day  the 
tants  of  paradise  shall  be  wholly  taken  up  with  joy:  they  and  their 
wives  shall  rest  in  shady  groves,  leaning  on  magnificent  couches. 
There  shall  they  have  fruit,  and  they  shall  obtain  whatever  they  shall 
desire.  Peace  shall  be  the  word  spoken  unto  the  righteous,  by  a 
merciful  Lord  :  but  he  shall  say  unto  the  wicked,  Be  ye  separated 
this  day,  O  ye  wicked,  from  the  righteous.  Did  I  not  command  you, 
()  sons'of  Adam,  that  ye  should  not  worship  Satan;  because  he  was 
an  open  enemy  unto  you?  And  did  I  not  say,  Worship  me;  this  is 
th;-  right  way?  But  now  hath  he  seduced  a  great  multitude  of  you; 
did  ye  not  therefore  understand?  This  is  hell,  with  which  ye  were 
threatened:  be  ye  cast  into  the  same  this  day,  to  be  burned;  for  that 
ye  have  been  unbelievers.  On  this  day  we  will  seal  up  their  mouths, 
that  they  shall  not  open  them  in  their  own  defence;  and  their  hands 
shall  speak  unto  us,  and  their  feet  shall  bear  witness  of  that  which 
they  have  committed.  If  we  pleased  we  could  put  out  their  eyes, 
and  they  might  run  with  emulation  in  the  way  they  use  to  take  ;  and 
how  should  they  see  their  error?  And  if  we  pleased  we  could  trans- 
form them  into  other  shapes,  in  their  places  where  they  should  be 
found  ;  and  they  should  not  be  able  to  depart  :  neither  should  they 
repent.  Unto  whomsoever  we  grant  a  long  life,  him  do  we  cause  to 
bow  down  his  body  through  age.  Will  they  not  therefore  under- 
stand? We  have  not  taught  Mohammed  the  art  of  poetry;  nor  is  it 
expedient  for  him  to  be  a  poet.  This  book  is  no  other  than  an  ad- 
monition from  God,  and  a  perspicuous  KorSn  ;  that  he  may  warn  him 
who  is  living:  and  the  sentence  of  condemnation  will  be  justly  ex- 
ecuted on  the  unbelievers.  Do  they  not  consider  that  we  have 
created  for  them,  among  the  things  which  our  hands  have  wrought, 
cattle  of  several  kinds,  of  which  they  are  possessors;  and  that  we 
have  put  the  same  in  subjection  under  them?  Some  of  them  are  for 
their  riding;  and  on  some  of  them  do  they  feed:  and  they  receive 
other  advantages  therefrom;  and  of  their  milk  do  they  drink.  Will 
they  not,  therefore,  be  thankful?  The  y  have  taken  other  gods,  be- 
sides God,  in  hopes  that  they  may  be  assisted  by  them:  but  they  are 
not  able  to  give  them  any  assistance:  yet  are  they  a  party  of  troops 
ready  to  defend  them.  Let  not  their  speech,  therefore,  grieve  thee: 
we  know  that  which  they  privately  conceal,  and  that  which  they 
publicly  discover.  Doth  not  man  know  that  we  have  created  him  of 
seed?  yet  behold,  he  is  an  open  disputer  against  the  resurrection; 
and  he  propoundeth  unto  us  a  comparison,  and  forgetteth  his 
creation.  He  saith,  Who  shall  restore  bones  to  life,  when  they  are 
rotten?  Answer,  He  shall  restore  them  to  life,  who  produced  them 


240  AL  KORAN. 

the  first  time:  for  he  is  skilled  in  every  kind  of  creation:  who  giveth 
you  fire  out  of  the  green  tree,  and  behold,  ye  kindle  your  fuel  from 
thence.  Is  not  he  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  able 
to  create  new  creatures  like  unto  them?  Yea,  certainly:  for  he  is 
the  wise  Creator.  His  command,  when  he  willeth  a  thing,  is  only 
that  he  saith  unto  it,  Be;  and  it  is.  Wherefore  praise  be  unto  him, 
in  whose  hand  is  the  kingdom  of  all  things,  and  unto  whom  ye  shall 
return  at  the  last  day. 


CHAPTER  XXXVH. 

ENTITLED,  THOSE  WHO    RANK    THEMSELVES    IN    ORDER;    REVEALED 
AT  MECCA. 

IX  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  angels  who  rank  themselves  in  order;  and  by  those  who 
drive  forward  and  dispel  the  clouds :  and  by  those  who  read  the  Koran 
for  an  admonition;  verily  your  God  is  one:  the  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  and  of  whatever  is  between  them,  and  the  Lord  of  the  east. 
We  have  adorned  the  lower  heaven  with  the  ornament  of  the  stars:  and 
we  have  placed  therein  a  guard,  against  every  rebellious  devil;  that 
they  may  not  listen  to  the  discourse  of  the  exalted  princes  (for  they 
are  darted  at  from  every  side,  to  repel  them,  and  a  lasting  torment  is 
prepared  for  them);  except  him  who  catcheth  a  word  by  stealth,  and  is 
pursued  by  a  shining  flame.  Ask  the  Meccans,  therefore,  whether  they 
be  stronger  by  nature,  or  the  angels  whom  we  have  created?  We  have 
surely  created  them  of  stiff  clay.  Thou  wonderest  at  God's  power  and 
their  obstinacy;  but  they  mock  at  the  arguments  urged  to  convince 
them:  when  they  are  warned,  they  do  not  take  warning;  and  when 
they  see  any  sign,  they  scoff  thereat,  and  say,  This  is  no  other  than 
manifest  sorcery:  after  we  shall  be  dead,  and'become  dust  and  bones, 
shall  we  really  be  raised  to  life,  and  our  forefathers  also?  Answer, 
Yea:  and  ye  shall  then  be  despicable.  There  shall  be  but  one  blast 
of  the  trumpet,  and  they  shall  see  themselves  raised:  and  they  shall 
say,  Alas  for  us!  this  is  the  day  of  judgment;  this  is  the  day  of  dis- 
tinction between  the  righteous  and  the  wicked,  which  ye  rejected  as 
H  falsehood.  Gather  together  those  who  have  acted  unjustly,  and 
their  comrades,  and  the  idols  which  they  Avorshipped  besides  God, 
and  direct  them  in  the  way  to  hell :  and  set  them  before  God's  tri- 
bunal; for  they  shall  be  called  to  account.  What  ailcth  you  that  ye 
defend  not  one  another?  But  on  this  day  they  shall  submit  them- 
selves to  the  judgment  of  God:  and  they  shall  draw  nigh  unto  one 
another,  and  shall  dispute  among  themselves.  And  the  seduced  shall 
say  unto  those  who  seduced  them,  Verily  ye  came  unto  us  with 
presages  of  prosperity;  and  the  seducers  shall  answer,  Xay,  rather  ye 
were  not  true  believers:  for  we  had  no  power  over  you  to  compel 


AL  KORAN.  241 

you;  but  ye  were  people  who  voluntarily  transgressed:  wherefore  the 
sentence  of  our  Lord  hath  been  justly  pronounced  against  us,  and  we 
shall  surely  taste  his  vengeance.  We  seduced  you;  but  we  also  erred 
ourselves.  They  shall  both  therefore  be  made  partakers  of  the  same 
punishment  on  that  day.  Thus  will  we  deal  with  the  wicked:  be- 
cause, when  it  is  said  unto  them,  There  is  no  god  besides  the  true 
God,  they  swell  with  arrogance,  and  say,  Shall  we  abandon  our  gods 
for  a  distracted  poet?  Nay;  he  cometh  with  the  truth,  and  beareth 
witness  to  the  former  apostles.  Ye  shall  surely  taste  the  painful  tor- 
ment of  hell ;  and  ye  shall  not  be  rewarded,  but  according  to  your 
works.  But  as  for  the  sincere  servants  of  God,  they  shall  have  a 
certain  provision  in  paradise,  namely,  delicious  fruits:  and  they  shall 
be  honoured :  they  shall  be  placed  in  gardens  of  pleasure,  leaning  on 
couches,  opposite  to  one  another:  a  cup  shall  be  carried  round  unto 
them,  filled  from  a  limpid  fountain,  for  the  delight  of  those  who 
drink:  it  shall  not  oppress  the  understanding,  neither  shall  they  be 
inebriated  therewith.  And  near  them  shall  lie  the  virgins  of  paradise, 
refraining  their  looks  from  beholding  any  besides  their  spouses,  having 
large  black  eyes,  and  resembling  the  eggs  of  an  ostrich  covered  with 
feathers  from  the  dust.  And  they  shall  turn  the  one  unto  the  other, 
and  shall  ask  one  another  questions.  And  one  of  them  shall  say, 
Verily  I  had  an  intimate  friend  while  I  lived  in  the  world,  who  said 
unto  me,  Art  thou  one  of  those  who  assertest  the  truth  of  the  resur- 
rection? After  we  shall  be  dead,  and  reduced  to  dust  and  bones,  shall 
we  surely  be  judged?  Then  he  shall  say  to  his  companions,  Will  ye 
look  down?  And  he  shall  look  down,  and  shall  see  him  in  the  midst 
of  hell;  and  he  shall  say  unto  him,  By  God,  it  wanted  little  but  thou 
hadst  drawn  me  into  ruin;  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  grace  of  my 
Lord,  I  had  surely  been  one  of  those  who  had  been  delivered  up  to 
eternal  torment.  Shall  we  die  any  other  than  our  first  death ;  or  do 
we  suffer  any  punishment?  Verily  this  is  great  felicity:  for  the  ob- 
taining a  felicity  like  this  let  the  labourers  labour.  Is  this  a  better 
entertainment,  or  the  tree  of  Al  Zakkuin?  Verily  we  have  designed 
the  same  for  an  occasion  of  dispute  unto  the  unjust.  It  is  a  tree 
which  issueth  from  the  bottom  of  hell:  the  fruit  thereof  resembleth 
the  heads  of  devils;  and  the  damned  shall  eat  of  the  same,  and  shall 
fill  their  bellies  therewith;  there  shall  be  given  them  thereon  a  mix- 
ture of  filthy  and  boiling  water  to  drink:  afterwards  shall  they  return 
into  hell.  They  found  their  fathers  going  astray,  and  they  trod 
hastily  in  their  footsteps:  for  the  greater  part  of  the  ancients  erred 
before  them.  And  we  sent  warners  unto  them  heretofore :  and  see 
how  miserable  was  the  end  of  those  who  were  warned ;  except  the 
sincere  servants  of  God.  Noah  called  on  us  in  former  days,  and  we; 
heard  him  graciously:  and  we  delivered  him  and  his  family  out  of 
the  great  distress:  and  we  caused  his  offspring  to  be  those  who  sur- 
vived to  people  the  earth:  and  we  left  the  following  salutation  to  b« 
bestowed  on  him  by  the  latest  posterity,  namely .,  Peace  be  on  Noah 


243  AL  KORAN. 

among  all  creatures!  Thus  do  we  reward  the  righteous;  for  he  was 
one  of  our  servants  the  true  believers.  Afterwards  we  drowned  the 
others.  Abraham  also  was  of  his  religion:  when  he  came  unto  his 
Lord  with  a  perfect  heart.  When  he  said  unto  his  father  and  his 
people,  What  do  ye  worship?  Do  ye  choose  false  gods  preferably  to 
the  true  God?  What  therefore  is  your  opinion  of  the  Lord  of  all 
creatures?  And  he  looked  and  observed  the  stars,  and  said,  Verily  I 
shall  be  sick,  and  shall  not  assist  at  your  sacrifices:  and  they  turned 
their  backs  and  departed  from  him.  And  Abraham  went  privately 
to  their  gods,  and  said  scoffingly  unto  them,  Do  ye  not  eat  of  the 
meat  which  is  set  before  you?  What  aileth  you  that  ye  speak  not': 
And  he  turned  upon  them,  and  struck  them  with  his  right  hand,  and 
demolished  them.  And  the  people  came  hastily  unto  him;  and  he 
said,  Do  ye  worship  the  images  which  ye  carve?  whereas  God  hath 
created  you,  and  also  that  which  ye  make.  They  said,  Build  a  pile 
for  him,  and  cast  him  into  the  glowing  fire.  And  they  devised  a  plot 
against  him;  but  we  made  them  the  inferior,  and  delivered  him. 
And  Abraham  said,  Verily  I  am  going  unto  my  Lord,  who  will  direct 
me.  O  Lord,  grant  me  a  righteous  issue.  Wherefore  we  acquainted 
him  that  he  should  have  a  son  who  should  be  a  meek  youth.  And 
when  he  had  attained  to  years  of  discretion,  and  could  join  in  acts  of 
religion  with  him;  Abraham  said  unto  him,  O  my  son,  verily  I  saw 
in  a  dream  that  I  should  offer  thee  In  sacrifice:  consider  therefore 
what  thou  art  of  opinion  I  should  do.  He  answered,  O  my  father, 
do  what  thou  art  commanded:  thou  shall  find  me,  if  God  please,  a 
patient  person.  And  when  they  had  submitted  themselves  to  the 
divine  will,  and  Abraham  had  laid  his  son  prostrate  on  his  face,  we 
cried  unto  him,  O  Abraham,  now  hast  thou  verified  the  vision.  Thus 
do  we  reward  the  righteous.  Verily  this  was  a  manifest  trial.  And 
we  ransomed  him  with  a  noble  victim.  And  we  left  the  following 
salutation  to  be  bestowed  on  him  by  the  latest  posterity,  namely, 
Peace  be  on  Abraham!  Thus  do  we  reward  the  righteous:  for  he 
was  one  of  our  faithful  servants.  And  we  rejoiced  him  with  the 
promise  of  Isaac,  a  righteous  prophet;  and  we  blessed  him  and  Isaac: 
and  of  their  offspring  were  some  righteous  doers,  and  others  who 
manifestly  injured  their  own  souls.  We  were  also  gracious  unto 
'Moses  and  Aaron,  heretofore:  and  we  delivered  them  and  their  people 
from  a  great  distress.  And  we  assisted  them  against  the  Egyptians; 
and  they  became  the  conquerors.  And  we  gave  them  the  perspicuous 
book  of  the  law,  and  we  directed  them  into  the  right  way :  and  we 
left  the  following  salutation  to  be  bestowed  on  them  by  the  latest  pos- 
terity, namely,  Peace  be  on  Moses  and  Aaron!  Thus  do  we  reward 
the  righteous;  for  they  were  two  of  our  faithful  servants.  And  Elias 
was  also  one  of  those  who  were  sent  by  us.  When  he  said  unto  his 
people,  Do  ye  not  fear  God?  Do  ye  invoke  Baal,  and  forsake  the  most 
excellent  Creator?  God  is  your  Lord,  and  the  Lord  of  your  fore- 
fathers. But  they  accused  him  of  imposture;  wherefore  they  shall  be 


AL  KORAK  243 

delivered  up  to  eternal  punishment;  except  the  sincere  servants  of  God. 
And  we  left  the  following  salutation  to  be  bestowed  on  him  by  the 
latest  posterity,  namely,  Peace  be  on  IlySsin !  Thus  do  we  reward  the 
righteous:  for  he  was  one  of  our  faithful  servants.  And  Lot  was  also 
one  of  those  who  were  sent  by  us.  When  we  delivered  him  and  his 
whole  family,  except  an  old  woman,  his  wife,  who  perished  among 
those  that  remained  behind:  afterwards  we  destroyed  the  others. 
And  ye,  O  people  of  Mecca,  pass  by  the  places  where  they  once  dwelt, 
as  ye  journey  in  the  morning  and  by  night;  will  ye  not  therefore 
understand?  Jonas  was  also  one  of  those  who  were  sent  by  us. 
When  he  fled  into  the  loaded  ship;  and  those  who  were  on  board 
cast  lots  among  themselves,  and  he  was  condemned:  and  the  fish 
swallowed  him;  for  he  was  worthy  of  reprehension.  And  if  he  had 
not  been  one  of  those  who  praised  God,  verily  he  had  remained  in 
the  belly  thereof  until  the  day  of  resurrection,  And  we  cast  him 
on  the  naked  shore,  and  he  was  sick:  and  we  caused  a  plant  of  a 
gourd  to  grow  up  over  him;  and  we  scut  him  to  a  hundred  thousand 
persons,  or  they  were  a  greater  number,  and  they  believed:  when-- 
fore we  granted  them  to  enjoy  this  life  for  a  season.  Inquire  of 
the  Meccans  whether  thy  Lord  hath  daughters,  and  they  sons?  Have 
we  created  the  angels  of  the  female  sex?  and  were  they  witnesses 
thereof?  Do  they  not  say  of  their  own  false  invention,  God  hath  be- 
gotten issue?  and  are  they  not  really  liars?  Hath  he  chosen  daugh- 
ters preferably  to  sons?  Ye  have  no  reason  to  judge  thus.  Will  ye 
not  therefore  be  admonished?  Or  have  ye  a  manifest  proof  of  what 
ye  say?  Produce  now  your  book  of  revelations,  if  ye  speak  truth. 
And  they  make  him  to  be  of  kin  unto  the  genii;  whereas  the  genii 
know  that  they  who  affirm  such  things,  shall  be  delivered  up  to  eter- 
nal punishment  (far  be  that  from  God  which  they  affirm  of  him!) 
except  the  sincere  servants  of  God.  Moreover  ye  and  that  which  ye 
worship  shall  not  seduce  any  concerning  God,  except  him  who  is 
destined  to  be  burned  in  hell.  There  is  none  of  us,  but  hath  an  ap- 
pointed place:  we  range  ourselves  in  order,  attending  the  commands 
of  God;  and  we  celebrate  the  divine  praise.  The  infidels  said,  If 
we  had  been  favoured  with  a  book  of  divine  revelations,  of  those 
which  were  delivered  to  the  ancients,  we  had  surely  been  sincere 
servants  of  God:  yet  now  the  Koran  is  revealed,  they  believe  not 
therein;  but  hereafter  shall  they  know  the  consequence  of  their  un- 
belief. Our  word  hath  formerly  been  given  unto  our  servants  the 
apostles;  that  they  should  certainly  be  assisted  against  the  infidels, 
and  that  our  armies  should  surely  be  the  conquerors.  Turn  aside 
therefore  from  them,  for  a  season:  and  see  the  calamities  which  shall 
afflict  them;  for  they  shall  see  thy  future  success  and  prosperity.  Do 
they  therefore  seek  to  hasten  our  vengeance?  Verily  when  it  shall 
descend  into  their  courts,  an  evil  morning  shall  it  be  unto  those  who 
were  warned  in  vain.  Turn  aside  from  them  therefore  for  a  season, 
arid  see:  hereafter  shall  they  see  thy  success  and  their  punishment. 


244  AL  KORAX. 

Praise  be  unto  thy  Lord,  the  Lord  who  is  far  exalted  above  what  they 
affirm  of  him!  And  peace  be  on  his  apostles!  And  praise  be  unto  God, 
the  Lord  of  all  creatures! 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 

.ENTITLED,    S;    REVEALED   AT   MECCA, 
THE    NAME     OF    THE     MOST    MERCIFUL     GOD. 

S.  Bv  the  Korfin  full  of  admonition.  Verily  the  unbelievers  are 
addicted  to  pride  and  contention.  How  many  generations  have  we 
destroyed  before  them;  and  they  cried  for  mercy,  but  it  was  not  a 
time  to  escape.  They  wonder  that  a  waruer  from  among  themselves 
hath  come  unto  them.  And  the  unbelievers  said,  This  man  is  a  sor- 
cerer and  a  liar:  doth  he  affirm  the  gods  to  be  but  one  God?  Surely 
this  is  a  wonderful  thing.  And  the  chief  men  among  them  departed, 
.saying  to  one  another.  Go,  and  persevere  in  the  worship  of  your 
gods,  verily  this  is  the  thing  which  is  designed.  We  have  not  heard 
anything  like  this  in  the  last  religion:  this  is  no  other  than  a  false 
contrivance.  Hath  an  admonition  been  sent  unto  him  preferably  to 
any  other  among  us?  Verily  they  are  in  a  doubt  concerning  my  ad- 
monition: but  they  have  not  yet  lasted  my  vengeance.  Are  the 
treasuries  of  the  mercy  of  thy  Lord,  the  mighty,  the  munificent  God. 
in  their  hands?  Is  the  kingdom  of  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  of 
whatever  is  between  them,  in  their  possession?  If  it  be  so,  let  them 
ascend  by  steps  unto  heaven.  But  any  army  of  the  confederates 
shall  even  here  be  put  to  flight.  The  people  of  Noah,  and  the  tribe 
of  Ad,  and  Pharaoh  the  contriver  of  the  stakes,  and  the  tribe  of 
Thamud,  and  the  people  of  Lot,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  wood  near 
Maclian,  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture  before  them,  these  were 
the  confederates  against  the  messengers  of  God.  All  of  them  did  no 
other  than  accuse  their  apostles  of  falsehood,  wherefore  my  ven- 
geance hath  been  justly  executed  upon  them.  And  these  wait  only 
for  one  sounding  of  the  trumpet ;  which  there  shall  be  no  deferring. 
And  they  scoffingly  say,  O  Lord,  hasten  our  sentence  unto  us,  before 
the  day  of  account.  Do  thou  patiently  bear  that  which  they  utter. 
and  remind  them  of  our  servant  David,  endued  with  strength:  for  he 
was  one  who  seriously  turned  himself  unto  God.  We  compelled  the 
mountains  to  celebrate  our  praise  with  him,  in  the  evening  and  at 
sunrise,  and  also  the  birds,  which  gathered  themselves  together  unto 
him:  all  of  them  returned  frequentlv  unto  him  for  this  purpose. 
And  we  established  his  kingdom,  an<f  cave  him  wisdom  and  elo- 
quence of  speech.  Hath  the  story  of  the  t\vo  adversaries  come  to  thy 
knowledge;  when  they  ascended  over  the  wall  into  the  upper  apart- 
ment, when  they  went  in  unto  David,  and  he  was  afraid  of  them '.' 
They  said,  Fear  not:  we  are  twc  adversaries  who  have  a  controversy 


AT,  KOftAtf.  -  245 

to  be  decided.  The  one  of  us  hath  wronged  the  other:  wherefore 
judge  between  us  with  truth,  and  be  not  unjust;  and  direct  us  into 
the  even  way.  This  my  brother  had  ninety  and  nine  sheep;  and  I 
had  only  one  ewe:  and  he  said,  Give  her  me  to  keep;  and  he  pre- 
vailed against  me  in  the  discourse  which  we  had  together.  David 
answered,  Verily  he  hath  wronged  thee,  in  demanding  thine  ewe  as 
an  addition  to  his  own  sheep:  and  many  of  them  who  are  concerned 
together  in  busiuess,  wrong  one  another,  except  those  who  believe 
and  do  that  which  is  right;  but  how  few  are  they!  And  David  per- 
ceived that  we  had  tried  him  by  this  parable,  and  he  asked  pardon  of 
his  Lord:  and  he  fell  down  and  bowed  himself,  and  repented.  Where- 
fore we  forgave  him  this  fault ;  and  he  shall  be  admitted  to  approach 
near  unto  us,  and  shall  have  an  excellent  place  of  abode  in  paradise. 
O  David,  verily  we  have  appointed  thee  a  sovereign  prince  in  the 
earth:  judge  therefore  between  men  with  truth;  and  follow  not  thy 
own  lust,  lest  it  cause  thee  to  err  from  the  way  of  God:  for  those 
who  err  from  the  way  of  God,  shall  suffer  a  severe  punishment,  be- 
cause they  have  forgotten  the  day  of  account.  We  have  not  created 
the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  whatever  is  between  them,  in  vain. 
This  is  the  opinion  of  the  unbelievers:  but  woe  unto  those  who  be- 
lieve not,  because  of  the  fire  of  hell.  Shall  we  deal  with  those  who 
believe  and  do  good  works,  as  with  those  who  act  corruptly  in  the 
earth'?  Shall  we  deal  with  the  pious  as  with  the  wicked?  A  blessed 
book  have  we  sent  down  unto  thee,  O  Mohammed,  that  they  may  at- 
tentively meditate  on  the  signs  thereof,  and  that  men  of  understand- 
ing may  be  warned.  And  we  gave  unto  David  Solomon;  how  excel- 
lent a  servant!  for  he  frequently  turned  himself  unto  God.  When 
the  horses  standing  on  three  feet,  and  touching  the  ground  with  the 
edge  of  the  fourth  foot,  and  swift  in  the  course,  were  set  in  parade 
before  him  in  the  evening,  he  said.  Verily  I  have  loved  the  love  of 
earthly  good  above  the  remembrance  of  my  Lord;  and  have  spent 
the  time  in  viewing  these  horses,  until  the  sun  is  hidden  by  the  veil 
of  night:  bring  the  horses  back  unto  me.  And  when  they  were 
brought  back,  he  began  to  cut  off  their  legs  and  their  necks.  We 
•ieil  Solomon,  and  placed  on  his  throne  a  counterfeit  body: 
aficnvard<  he  turned  unto  God,  and  said,  O  Lord,  forgive  me,  and 
give  me  a  kingdom  which  may  not  be  obtained  by  any  after  me;  for 
thou  art  the  giver  of  kingdoms.  And  we  made  the  wind  subject  to 
him;  it  ran  gently  at  his  command,  whithersoever  he  directed.  And 
we  also  put  the  devils  in  subjection  under  him;  and  among  them 
such  as  were  every  way  skilled  in  building,  and  in  diving  for 
pearls:  and  others  we  delivered  to  him  bound  in  chains;  saying, 
This  i-;  our  gift :  therefore  lie  bounteous,  or  be  sparing  unto  whom 
thou  shall  think  fit,  without  rendering  an  account.  And  he  shall 
approach  near  unto  us,  and  .shall  have  an  excellent  abode  in  para- 
dise. And  remember  our  servant  Job;  when  he  cried  unto  hia 
Lord,  saying,  Verily  Satan  hath  afflicted  me  with  calamity  and 


246  AL  KORAN*. 

pain.  And  it  was  said  unto  him,  Strike  the  earth  with  thy  foot- 
which  when  he  had  done,  a  fountain  sprang  up,  and  it  was  said  to 
him,  This  is  for  tliee  to  wash  in,  to  refresh  thee,  and  to  drink. 
And  we  restored  unto  him  his  family,  and  as  many  more  with  them, 
through  our  mercy;  and  for  an  admonition  unto  those  who  art- 
endued  with  understanding.  And  we  said  unto  him,  Take  a  hand- 
ful of  rods  in  thy  hand,  and  strike  thy  wife  therewith;  and  break 
not  thine  oath.  *  Verily  we  found  him  a  patient  person:  how  ex- 
cellent a  servant  was  he!  for  he  was  one  who  frequently  turned 
himself  unto  us.  Rememher  also  our  servants  Abraham,  and 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  who  were  men  strenuous  and  prudent.  Verily 
we  purified  them  with  a  perfect  purification,  through  the  remem- 
brance of  the  life  to  come;  and  they  were,  in  our  sight,  elect  and  good 
men.  And  remember  Ismael,  and  Elisha,  and  Dhu'lkefl:  for  all 
these  were  good  men.  This  is  an  admonition.  Verily  the  pious 
shall  have  an  excellent  place  to  return  unto,  namely,  gardens  of  per- 
petual abode,  the  gates  whereof  shall  stand  open  unto  them.  As  they 
lie  down  therein,  they  shall  there  ask  for  many  sorts  of  fruits,  and 
for  drink;  and  near  them  shall  sit  the  virgins  of  paradise,  refrain- 
ing their  looks  from  beholding  any  besides  their  spouses,  and  of 
equal  age  with  them.  This  is  what  ye  are  promised  at  the  clay  of 
account.  This  is  our  provision;  which  shall  not  fail.  This  shall  be 
the  reward  of  the  righteous.  But  for  the  transgressors  is  prepared  an 
evil  receptacle,  namely,  hell :  they  shall  be  cast  into  the  same  to  be 
burned,  and  a  wretched  couch  shall  it  be.  This  let  them  taste,  to 
wit,  scalding  water,  and  corruption  flowing  from  the  bodies  of  the 
damned,  and  divers  other  things  of  the  same  kind.  And  it  shall  be 
said  to  the  seducers,  This  troop  which  was  guided  by  you,  shall  be 
thrown,  together  with  you,  headlong  into  hell:  they  shall  not  be  bid- 
den welcome;  for  they  shall  enter  the  fire  to  be  burned.  And  the 
seduced  shall  say  to  their  seducers,  Verily  ye  shall  not  be  bidden  wel- 
come: ye  have  brought  it  upon  us;  and  a  wretched  abode  is  hell. 
They  shall  say,  O  Lord,  doubly  increase  the  torment  of  him  who  halt 
brought  the  punishment  upon  us,  in  the  fire  of  hell.  And  the  infidels 
shall  say,  Why  do  \ve  not  see  the  men  whom  we  numbered  among  the 
wicked"  and  whom  we  received  with  scorn?  Or  do  our  eyes  miss 
them?  Verily  this  is  a  truth;  to  wit,  the  disputing  of  the  inhabitants 
of  hell  fire.  Say,  O  .Mohammed,  unto  the  idolaters.  Verily  I  am  no 
other  than  a  warner:  and  there  is  no  god,  except  the  one  only  God, 
the  Almighty,  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  <;f  whatsoever  is 
between  them;  the  mighty,  the  forgiver  of  sins.  Say  It  is  a  weighty 
mi  --age,  from  which  ye  turn  aside.  1  I  ad  no  ki.o\\!«l^e  of  the  ex- 
alted princes,  when  they  disputed  concerning  the  ovation  of  man  (it 
hath  been  revealed  unto  me  only  as  a  proof  that  1  am  a  public 
preacher):  when  thy  Lord  said  unto  the  angels,  "\  erily  1  am  about  to 
create  man  of  clay:  when  I  shall  have  formed  him,  therefore,  and 
shall  have  breathed  my  spirit  into  him,  do  ye  fall  dosvn  and  worship 


AL  KORAN.  247 

him.  And  all  the  angels  worshipped  him,  in  general ;  except  Eblis, 
who  was  puffed  up  with  pride,  and  became  an  unbeliever.  God  said 
unto  him,  O  Eblis,  what  hindercth  thee  from  worshipping  that  which 
I  have  created  with  my.  hands?  Art  thou  elated  with  "vain  pride? 
Or  art  thou  really  one  of  exalted  merit?  He  answered,  I  am  more 
excellent  than  he:  thou  hast  created  me  of  fire,  and  hast  created  him 
of  clay.  God  said  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence  therefore,  for  thou  shall 
be  driven  away  from  mercy :  and  my  curse  shall  be  upon  thee,  until 
the  day  of  judgment.  He  replied,  O  Lord,  Respite  me,  therefore, 
until  the  day  of  resurrection.  God  said,  Verily  thou  shalt  be  one  of 
those  who  are  respited  until  the  day  of  the  determined  time.  Eblis 
said,  By  thy  might  do  I  swear,  I  will  surely  seduce  them  all,  except 
thy  servants  who  shall  be  peculiarly  chosen  from  among  them.  God 
said,  It  is  a  just  sentence:  and  I  speak  the  truth:  I  will  surely  fill  hell 
with  thee,  and  with  such  of  them  as  shall  follow  thee,  altogether.  Say 
unto  the  Meccans,  1  ask  not  of  you  any  reward  for  this  my  preaching: 
neither  am  I  one  of  those  who  assume  a  part  which  belongs  not  to 
them.  The  Koran  is  no  other  than  an  admonition  unto  all  creatures: 
and  ye  shall  surely  know  what  is  delivered  therein  to  be  true,  after  a 
season. 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

ENTITLED,  THE  TROOPS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  revelation  of  this  book  is  from  the  mighty,  the  wise  God. 
Verily  we  have  revealed  this  book  unto  thee  with  truth:  wherefore 
serve  God,  exhibiting  the  pure  religion  unto  him.  Ought  not  the  pure 
religion  to  be  exhibited  unto  God?  But  as  to  those  who  take  other 
patrons  besides  him,  saying,  We  worship  them  only  that  they  may 
bring  us  nearer  unto  God;  verily  God  will  judge  between  them  con- 
cerning that  wherein  they  disagree.  Surely  God  will  not  direct  him 
who  is  a  liar,  or  ungrateful.  If  God  had  been  minded  to  have  had  a 
son,  he  had  surely  chosen  what  he  pleased  out  of  that  which  he  hath 
created.  But  far  be  such  a  thing  from  him!  He  is  the  sole,  the 
almighty  God.  He  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  with  truth: 
he  causeth  the  night  to  succeed  the  day,  and  he  causeth  the  day  to) 
succeed  the  night,  and  he  obligeth  the  sun  and  the  moon  to  perform 
their  services :  each  of  them  liasteneth  to  an  appointed  period.  Is  not 
he  the  mighty,  the  forgiver  of  sins?  He  created  you  of  one  man,  and 
afterwards  out  of  him  formed  hi<  wife:  and  he  hath  bestowed  on  you 
four  pair  of  cattle.  He  forme th  yon  in  the  wombs  of  your  mothers, 
by  several  gradual  formations,  within  three  veils  of  darkness.  This 
is  God.  your  Lord:  his  is  the  kingdom  .  there  is  no  God  but  he.  Why 
therefore  are  ye  turned  aside  from  the  worship  of  him  to  idolatry? 


248  AL  KORAN. 

If  ye  be  ungrateful,  verily  God  hath  no  need  of  you ;  yet  he  liketh  not 
ingratitude  in  his  servants:  but  if  ye  be  thankful,  he  will  be  well 
pleased  with  you.  A  burdened  soul  shall  not  bear  the  burden  of 
another:  hereafter  shall  ye  return  unto  your  Lord,  and  he  shall  declare 
untoyou  that  which  ye  have  wrought,and  will  reward  you  accordingly; 
for  he  knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  your  breasts.  When  harm  b'e- 
falleth  a  man,  he  calleth  upon  his  Lord,  and  turneth  unto  him :  yet 
afterwards,  when  God  hath  bestowed  on  him  favour  from  himself,  he 
forgetteth  that  Being  which  he  invoked  before,  and  setteth  up  equals 
unto  God,  that  he  may  seduce  men  from  his  way.  Say  unto  such  a 
man,  Enjoy  this  life  in  thy  infidelity  for  a  little  while:  but  hereafter 
shalt  thou  surely  be  one  of  the  inhabitants  of  hell  fire.  Shall  he  who 
giveth  himself  up  to  prayer  in  the  hours  of  the  night,  prostrate  and 
standing,  and  who  taketh  heed  as  to  the  life  to  come,  and  hopeth  for 
the  mercy  of  his  Lord,  be  dealt  with  as  the  wicked  unbeliever?  Say, 
Shall  they  who  know  their  duty,  and  they  who  know  it  not,  be  held 
equal?  Verily  the  men  of  understanding  only  will  be  warned.  Say, 
O  my  servants  who  believe,  fear  your  Lord.  "  They  who  do  good  in 
this  world,  shall  obtain  good  in  the  next;  and  God's  earth  is  spacious: 
verily  those  who  persevere  with  patience  shall  receive  their  recompense 
without  measure.  Say,  I  am  commanded  to  worship  God,  and  to 
exhibit  the  pure  religion  unto  him:  and  I  am  commanded  16  be  the 
first  Moslem.  Say,  Verily  I  fear,  if  I  be  disobedient  unto  my  Lord, 
the  punishment  of  the  great  day.  Say,  I  worship  God,  exhibiting 
my  religion  pure  unto  him  but  do  ye  worship  that  which  ye  will, 
besides  him.  Say,  Verily  they  will  be  the  losers,  who  shall  lose  their 
own  souls,  and  their  families,  on  the  day  of  resurrection:  is  not  this 
manifest  loss?  Over  them  shall  be  roofs  of  fire,  and  under  them  shall 
be  floors  of  fire.  With  this  doth  God  terrify  his  servants :  wheref ore, 
O  my  servants,  fear  me.  But  those  who  eschew  the  worship  of  idols, 
and  are  turned  unto  God,  shall  receive  good  tidings.  Bear  good 
tidings  therefore  unto  my  servants,  who  hearken  unto  my  word,  and 
follow  that  which  is  most  excellent  therein .  these  are  they  whom 
God  directeth,  and  these  are  men  of  understanding.  Him  therefore 
on  whom  the  sentence  of  eternal  punishment  shall  be  justly  pronounced, 
canst  thou,  O  Mohammed,  deliver  him  who  is  destined  to  dwell  in  the 
fire  of  hell?  But  for  those  who  fear  their  Lord  will  be  prepared  high 
apartments  in  paradise,  over  which  shall  be  other  apartments  built- 
and  rivers  shall  run  beneath  them:  this  is  the  promise  of  God;  and 
God  will  not  be  contrary  to  the  promise.  Dost  thou  not  see  that  God 
sendelh  down  water  from  heaven,  and  causeth  the  same  to  enter  and 
form  sources  in  the  earth;  and  produceth  thereby  corn  of  various 
sorts?  Afterwards  he  causeth  the  same  to  wither ;"  and  thou  seest  it 
become  yellow :  afterwards  he  maketh  it  crumble  into  dust.  Verily 
herein  is  an  instruction  to  men  of  understanding.  Shall  he,  there- 
fore, whose  breast  God  hath  enlarged  to  receive  the  religion  of  Islam, 
and  who  followeth  the  light  from  his  Lord,  be  as  he  whose  heart  is 


AL  KORAN.  249 

hardened?  But  woe  unto  those  whose  hearts  are  hardened  against 
the  remembrance  of  God !  they  are  in  a  manifest  error.  God  hath 
revealed  a  most  excellent  discourse;  a  book  c"omformable  to  itself, 
and  containing  repeated  admonitions.  The  skins  of  those  who  fear 
their  Lord  shrink  for  fear  thereat:  afterwards  their  skins  grow  soft, 
and  their  hearts  also,  at  the  remembrance  of  their  Lord.  This  is 
the  direction  of  God :  he  will  direct  thereby  whom  he  pleaseth ;  and 
whomsoever  God  shall  cause  to  err,  he  shall  have  no  director.  Shall 
he  therefore  who  shall  be  obliged  to  screen  himself  with  his  face  from 
the  severity  of  the  punishment  on  the  day  of  resurrection,  be  as  he 
who  is  secure  therefrom?  And  it  shall  be  said  unto  the  ungodly, 
Taste  that  which  ye  have  deserved.  Those  who  were  before  them, 
accused  their  apostles  of  imposture ;  wherefore  a  punishment  came 
upon  them  from  whence  they  expected  it  not:  and  God  caused  them 
to  taste  shame  in  this  present  life ;  but  the  punishment  of  the  life  to 
come  will  certainly  be  greater.  If  they  were  men  of  understanding, 
they  would  know  this.  Now  have  we  proposed  unto  mankind,  in 
this  Koran,  every  kind  of  parable;  that  they  may  be  warned:  an 
Arabic  Koran,  wherein  there  is  no  crookedness;  that  they  may  fear 
God.  God  propoundeth  as  a  parable  a  man  who  hath  several  com- 
panions which  are  at  mutual  variance,  and  a  man  who  committeth 
himself  wholly  to  one  person:  shall  these  beheld  in  equal  comparison? 
God  forbid!  But  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not  understand.  Verily 
thou,  O  Mohammed,  shalt  die,  and  they  also  shall  die:  and  ye  shall 
debate  the  matter  with  one  another  before  your  Lord,  at  the  day  of 
resurrection.  (XXIV.)  Who  is  more  unjust  than  he  who  uttereth  a 
lie  concerning  God,  and  deuieth  the  truth,  when  it  cometh  unto  him? 
Is  there  not  a  dwelling  provided  in  hell  for  the  unbelievers?  But  he 
who  bringeth  the  truth,  and  giveth  credit  thereto,  these  are  they  who 
fear  God;  they  shall  obtain  whatever  they  shall  desire,  in  the  sight  of 
their  Lord:  this  shall  be  the  recompense  of  the  righteous:  that  God 
may  expiate  from  them  the  very  worst  of  that  which  they  have  wrought, 
and  may  render  them  their  reward  according  to  the  utmost  merit  of  the 
g  >od  which  they  have  wrought.  Is  not  God  a  sufficient  protector  of 
liis  servant?  yet  they  will  attempt  to  make  thee  afraid  of  the  false 
l.-ities  which" they  worship  besides  God.  But  he  whom  God  shall 
,-ause  to  err,  shall  have  none  to  direct  him:  and  he  whom  God  shall 
direct,  shall  have  none  to  mislead  him.  Is  not  God  most  mighty,  able 
to  avenge?  If  thou  ask  them  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the 
earth,  they  will  surely  answer,  God.  Say,  Do  ye  think  therefore  that 
the  deities  which  ye  invoke  besides  God,  if  God  be  pleased  to  afflict 
me,  are  able  to  relieve  me  from  his  affliction?  or  if  he  be  pleased  to 
show  mercy  unto  me,  that  they  are  able  to  withhold  his  mercy?  Say, 
God  is  my  sufficient  support :  in  him  let  those  put  their  trust,  who 
seek  in  whom  to  confide.  Say,  O  my  people,  do  ye  act  according  to 
your  state;  verily  I  will  act  according  to  mine:  hereafter  shall  ye  know 
on  which  of  us  will  be  inflicted  a  punishment  that  shall  cover  him 


250  AL  KORAN. 

with  shame,  and  on  whom  a  lasting  punishment  shall  fall.  Verily 
we  have  revealed  unto  thee  the  book  of  the  Koran,  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  mankind,  with  truth.  Whoso  shall  be  directed  thereby,  shall 
be  directed  to  the  advantage  of  his  own  soul;  and  whoso  shall  err, 
shall  only  err  against  the  same :  and  thou  art  not  a  guardian  over 
them.  God  taketh  unto  himself  the  souls  of  men  at  the  time  of  their 
death;  and  those  which  die  not  he  also  taketh  in  their  sleep:  and  he 
withholdeth  those  on  which  he  hath  passed  the  decree  of  death,  but 
sendeth  back  the  others  till  a  determined  period.  Verily  herein  are 
signs  unto  people  who  consider.  Have  the  Koreish  taken  idols  for 
their  intercessors  with  God'?  Say,  What,  although  they  have  not 
dominion  over  anything,  neither  do  they  understand?  Say,  Inter- 
cession is  altogether  in  the  disposal  of  God :  his  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  and  earth ;  and  hereafter  shall  ye  return  unto  him.  When 
the  one  sole  God  is  mentioned,  the  hearts  of  those  who  believe  not  in 
the  life  to  come,  shrink  with  horror:  but  when  the  false  gods,  which 
are  worshipped  besides  him,  are  mentioned,  behold,  they  are  filled 
with  joy.  Say,  O  God,  the  creator  of  heaven  and  earth,  who 
kno west  that  which  is  secret  and  that  which  is  manifest;  thou  shall 

1'udge  between  thy  servants  concerning  that  wherein  they  disagree, 
f  those  who  act  unjustly  were  masters  of  whatever  is  in  the  earth, 
and  as  much  more  therewith,  verily  they  would  give  it  to  ransom 
themselves  from  the  evil  of  the  punishment,  on  the  day  of  resurrec- 
tion :  and  there  shall  appear  unto  them,  from  God,  terrors  which  they 
never  imagined:  and  there  shall  appear  unto  them  the  evils  of  that 
which  they  shall  have  gained;  and  that  which  they  mocked  at  shall 
encompass  them.  When  harm  befalleth  man,  he  calleth  upon  us;  yet 
afterwards,  when  we  have  bestowed  on  him  favour  from  us,  he  saith, 
I  have  received  it  merely  because  of  God's  knowledge  of  my  deserts. 
On  the  contrary,  it  is  a  trial ;  but  the  greater  part  of  them'  know  it 
not.  Those  who  were  before  them,  said  the  same:  but  that  which 
they  had  gained,  profited  them  not;  arid  the  evils  which  they  had  de- 
served, fell  upon  them.  And  whoever  of  these  Meccans  shall  have 
acted  unjustly,  on  them  likewise  shall  fall  the  evils  which  they  shall 
have  deserved;  neither  shall  they  frustrate  the  divine  vengeance.  Do 
they  not  know  that  God  bestoweth  provision  abundantly  on  whom  he 
pleaseth,  and  is  sparing  unto  whom  he  pleaseth?  Verily  herein  are 
signs  unto  people  who  believe.  Say,  O  my  servants  who  have  trans- 
gressed against  your  own  souls,  despair  not  of  the  mercy  of  God:  see- 
ing that  God  forgiveth  all  sins;  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful.  And 
be  turned  unto  your  Lord,  and  resign  yourselves  unto  him,  before 
the  threatened  punishment  overtake  you;  for  then  ye  shall  not  be 
helped.  And  follow  the  most  excellent  instructions  which  have  been 
sent  down  unto  you  from  your  Lord,  before  the  punishment  come 
suddenly  upon  you,  and  ve  perceive  not  the  approach  thereof ;  and  a 
soul  say,  Alas!  for  that  I  have  been  negligent  in  my  duty  to  God: 
verily  I  have  been  one  of  the  scorners:  or  say,  If  God  had  directed 


AL  KORAN.  251 

me,  verily  I  had  been  one  of  the  pious:  or  say,  when  it  seeth  the  pre- 
pared punishment,  If  I  could  return  once  more  into  the  world,  I 
would  become  one  of  the  righteous.  But  God  shall  answer,  My  signs 
came  unto  thee  heretofore,  and  thou  didst  charge  them  with*  false- 
hood, and  wast  puffed  up  with  pride;  and  thou  becamest  one  of  the 
unbelievers.  On  the  day  of  resurrection  thou  shall  see  the  faces  of 
those  who  have  uttered  lies  concerning  God,  become  black:  is  there 
not  an  abode  prepared  in  hell  for  the  arrogant?  But  God  shall  de- 
liver those  who  shall  fear  him,  and  shall  set  them  in  their  place  of 
safety:  evil  shall  not  touch  them,  neither  shall  they  be  grieved.  God 
is  the  creator  of  all  things,  and  he  is  the  governor  of  all  things.  His 
are  the  keys  of  heaven  and  earth:  and  they  who  believe  not  in  the 
signs  of  God,  they  shall  perish.  Say,  Do  ye  therefore  bid  ine  to  wor- 
ship other  than  God,  O  yc  fools?  since  it  hath  been  spoken  by  rev- 
elation unto  thee,  and  also  unto  the  prophets  who  have  been  before 
thee,  saying.  Verily  if  thou  join  any  partners  with  God,  thy  work 
will  be  altogether  unprofitable,  and  thou  shall  certainly  be  one  of 
those  wao  perish  •  wherefore  rather  fear  God,  and  be  one  of  those 
who  give  thanks.  But  they  make  not  a  due  estimation  of  God:  since 
the  whole  earth  shall  be  but  his  handful,  on  the  day  of  resurrection; 
and  the  heavens  shall  be  rolled  together  in  his  right  hand.  Praise  be 
unto  him!  and  far  be  he  exalted  above  the  idols  which  they  associate 
with  him!  The  trumpet  shall  be  sounded,  and  whoever  are  in  heaven 
and  whoever  are  on  earth  shall  expire;  except  those  whom  God  shall 
please  to  exempt  from  the  common  fate.  Afterwards  it  shall  be 
sounded  again:  and  behold,  they  shall  arise  and  look  up.  And  the 
earth  shall  shine  by  the  light  of  its  Lord:  and  the  book  shall  be  laid 
open,  and  the  prophets  and  the  martyrs  shall  be  brought  as  witne»rs: 
and  judgment  shall  be  given  between  them  with  truth,  and  they  shall 
not  be  treated  unjustly.  And  every  soul  shall  be  fully  rewarded,  ac- 
cording to  that  which  it  shall  have  wrought;  for  he  perfectly  knoweih 
whatever  they  do.  And  the  unbelievers  shall  be  driven  unto  hell  by 
troops,  until,  when  they  shall  arrive  at  the  same,  the  gates  thereof 
shall  be  opened:  and  the  keepers  thereof  shall  say  unto  them,  Did  not 
apostles  from  among  you  come  unto  you,  who  rehearsed  unto  you  the 
signs  of  your  Lord,  and  warned  you  of  the  meeting  of  this  your  day? 
They  shall  answer.  Yea:  but  the  sentence  of  eternal  punishment  hath 
been  justly  pronounced  on  the  unbelievers  It  shall  be  said  unto 
them.  Enter  ye  the  gates  of  hell,  to  dwell  (herein  for  ever;  and  mis- 
erable shall  be  the  abode  of  the  proud!  But  those  who  shall  have 
feared  their  Lord,  shall  be  conducted  by  troops  towards  paradise, 
until  they  shall  arrive  at  the  same:  and  the  gates  thereof  shall  be 
ready  set  open:  and  the  guards  thereof  shall  say  unto  them.  Peace  be 
on  you!  ye  have  been  good:  wherefore  enter  ye  into  paradise,  to  re- 
main therein  for  ever.  And  they  shall  answer,  Praise  unto  God,  who 
hath  performed  his  promise  unto  us,  and  hath  made  us  to  inherit  the 
earth,  that  we  may  dwell  in  paradise  wherever  we  please!  How  ex- 


252  AL  KORAN. 

cellent  is  the  reward  of  those  who  work  righteousness!  And  thou 
slialt  see  the  angels  going  in  procession  round  the  throne,  celebrat- 
ing the  praises  of  their  Lord:  and  judgment  shall  be  given  between 
them  with  truth;  and  they  shall  say,  Praise  be  unto  God,  the  Lord  of 
all  creatures! 


CHAPTER    XL. 

ENTITLED,  THE  TRUE  BELIEVER;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN    THE    NAME    OP    THE    MOST    MERCIFUL    GOD. 

H.  M.  The  revelation  of  this  book  is  from  the  mighty,  the  wise 
God;  the  forgiver  of  sin,  and  the  accepter  of  repentance;  severe  in 
punishing;  long-suffering.  There  is  no  God  but  lie:  before  him  shall 
be  the  general  assembly  at  the  last  day.  None  disputeth  against  the 
signs  of  God,  except  the  unbelievers:  but  let  not  their  prosperous 
dealing  in  the  land  deceive  thee  with  vain  allurement.  The  people 
of  Noah,  and  the  confederated  infidels  which  were  after  them,  ac- 
cused their  respective  prophets  of  imposture  before  these ;  and  each 
nation  hatched  ill  designs  against  their  apostle,  that  they  might  get 
him  into  their  power;  and  they  disputed  with  vain  reasoning,  that 
they  might  thereby  invalidate  the  truth:  wherefore  I  chastised  them; 
and  how  severe  was  my  punishment!  Time  hath  the  sentence  of  thy 
Lord  justly  passed  on  the  unbelievers;  that  they  shall  be  the  inhabi- 
tants of  hell  fire.  The  angels  who  bear  the  throne  of  God,  and  those 
who  stand  about  it,  celebrate  the  praise  of  their  Lord,  and  believe 
in  him;  and  they  ask  pardon  for  the  true  believers,  saying,  O 
Lord,  thou  encompassest  all  things  by  thy  mercy  and  knowl- 
edge; wherefore  forgive  those  who  repent  and  follow  thy  path, 
and  deliver  them  from  the  pains  of  hell:  O  Lord,  lead  them  also  into 
gardens  of  eternal  abode,  which  thou  hast  promised  unto  them,  and 
unto  every  one  who  shall  do  right,  of  (heir  fathers,  and  their  wives, 
and  their  children;  for  thou  art  the  mighty,  the  wise  God.  And  de- 
liver them  from  evil;  for  whomsoever  thou  shall  deliver  from  evil 
on  that  day,  on  him  wilt  thou  show  mercy;  and  this  will  be  great  sal- 
vation. But  the  infidels,  at  the  day  of  judgment,  shall  hear  a  voice 
crying  unto  them,  Verily  the  hatred  of  God  towards  you  is  more 
grievous  than  your  hatred  towards  yourselves:  since  ye  were  called 
unto  the  faith,  and  would  not  believe.  They  shall  say,  O  Lord, 
thou  hast  given  us  death  twice,  and  thou  hast  twice  given  us  life ;  and 
we  confess  our  sins:  is  there  therefore  no  way  to  get  forth  from  this 
tire?  And  it  shall  be  answered  them,  This  hath  befallen  you,  for 
that  when  one  God  was  preached  unto  you,  ye  believed  not;  but  if  a 
plurality  of  gods  had  been  associated  with  him,  ye  had  believed ;  and 
judgment  belongeth  unto  the  high,  the  great  God.  It  is  he  who 
showeth  you  his  signs,  and  sendeth  down  food  unto  you  from  heaven; 


AL  KORAN.  253 

but  none  will  be  admonished,  except  he  who  turneth  himself  unto 
God.  Call  therefore  upon  God,  exhibiting  your  religion  pure  unto 
him,  although  the  infidels  be  averse  thereto.  He  is  the  Being  of  ex- 
alted degree,  the  possessor  of  the  throne;  who  sendelh  down  the 
spirit,  at  his  command,  on  such  of  his  servants  as  he  pleaseth;  that 
he  may  warn  mankind  of  the  day  of  meeting,  the  day  whereon  they 
shall  come  forth  out  of  their  graves,  and  notaing  of  what  concerneth 
them  shall  be  hidden  from  God.  Unto  whom  will  the  kingdom  be- 
long, on  that  day?  Unto  the  only,  the  almighty  God.  On  that  day 
shall  every  soul  be  rewarded  according  to  its  merits;  there  shall  be  no 
injustice  done  on  that  day.  Verily  God  will  be  swift  in  taking  an 
account.  Wherefore  warn  them,  O  prophet,  of  the  day  which  shall 
suddenly  approach:  when  men's  hearts  shall  come  up  to  their  throats, 
and  strangle  them.  The  ungodly  shall  have  no  friend  or  intercessor 
who  shall  be  heard.  God  will  know  the  deceitful  eye,  and  that 
which  their  breasts  conceal;  and  God  will  judge  with  truth:  but  the 
false  gods  which  they  invoke  besides  him,  shall  not  judge  at  all;  for 
God  is  he  who  heaivth  and  seeth.  Have  they  not  gone  through  the 
earth  and  seen  what  hatli  been  the  end  of  those  who  were  before 
them?  They  were  more  mighty  than  these  in  strength,  and  left  more 
considerable  footsteps  of  their  power  in  the  earth:  yet  God  chastised 
them  for  their  sins,  and  there  was  none  to  protect  them  from  Go.l. 
This  they  suffered,  because  their  apostles  had  come  unto  them  with 
evident  signs,  and  they  disbelieved:  wherefore  God  chastised  them; 
for  he  is  strong,  and  severe  in  punishing.  We  heretofore  sent  Moses 
with  our  signs  and  manifest  power,  unto  Pharaoh,  and  Haman,  and 
Karun;  and  they  said.  He  is  a  sorcerer  and  a  liar.  And  when  he 
came  unto  them  with  the  truth  from  us,  they  said,  Slay  the  sons  of 
those  who  have  believed  with  him,  and  save  their  daughters  alive: 
but  the  stratagem  of  the  infidels  was  no  other  than  vain.  And 
Pharaoh  said,  Let  me  alone,  that  I  may  kill  Moses;  and  let  him  call 
upon  his  Lord:  verily  I  fear  lest  he  change  your  religion,  or  cause 
violence  to  appear  in  the  earth.  And  Moses  said  unto  his  people, 
Verily  I  have  recourse  unto  my  Lord,  and  your  Lord,  to  defend  me 
against  every  proud  person,  who  believeth  not  in  the  day  of  account. 
And  a  man  who  was  a  true  believer,  of  the  family  of  Pharaoh,  and 
concealed  his  faith,  said,  Will  you  put  a  man  to  death,  because  he 
saith,  God  is  my  Lord ;  seeing  he  is  come  unto  you  with  evident  signs 
from  your  Lord?  If  he  be  a  liar,  on  him  will  the  punishment  of  his 
falsehood  light;  but  if  he  speaketh  the  truth,  some  of  those  judg- 
ments with  which  he  threateneth  you,  will  fall  upon  you:  verily  God 
direct etu  not  him  who  is  a  transgressor  or  a  liar.  O  my  people,  the 
kingdom  is  yours  this  day;  and  ye  are  conspicuous  in  the  earth: 
but  who  shall  defend  us  from  the  scourge  of  God,  if  it  come  unto  us? 
Pharaoh  said,  I  only  propose  to  you  what  I  think  to  be  most  expedi- 
ent: and  I  guide  you  only  into  the  right  path.  And  he  who  had  be- 
lieved, said,  O  my  people,  verily  I  fear  for  you  a  day  like  that  of  the 


254  AL  KORAN. 

confederates  against  the  prophets  in  former  times;  a  condition  like 
that  of  the  people  of  Noah,  and  the  tribes  of  Ad.  and  Thamud,  and 
of  those  who  have  lived  after  them:  for  God  willeth  not  that  any  in- 
justice be  done  unto  his  servants.  O  my  people,  verily  I  fear  for  you 
the  day  whereon  men  shall  call  unto  one  another;  the  day  whereon  ye 
shall  be  turned  back  from  the  tribunal,  and  driven  to  hell:  then  shall 
ye  have  none  to  protect  you  against  God.  And  he  whom  God  shall 
cause  to  err,  shall  have  no  director.  Joseph  came  unto  you,  before 
Moses,  with  evident  signs;  but  ye  ceased  not  to  doubt  of  the  religion 
which  he  preached  unto  you,  until,  when  he  died,  ye  said,  God  will 
by  no  means  send  another  apostle,  after  him.  Thus  doth  God  cause 
him  to  err,  who  is  a  transgressor  and  a  sceptic.  They  who  dispute 
against  the  signs  of  God,  without  any  authority  which  hath  come 
unto  them,  are  in  great  abomination  with  God,  and  with  those  who 
believe.  Thus  doth  God  seal  up  every  proud  and  stubborn  heart. 
And  Pharaoh  said,  O  Haman,  build  me  a  tower,  that  I  may  reach 
the  tracts,  the  tracts  of  heaven,  and  may  view  the  God  of  Moses;  for 
I  verily  think  him  to  be  a  liar  And 'thus  the  evil  of  his  work  was 
prepared  for  Pharaoh,  and  he  turned  aside  from  the  right  path:  and 
the  stratagems  of  Pharaoh  ended  only  in  loss.  And  he  who  had  be 
lieved,  said,  O  my  people,  follow  me:  I  will  guide  you  into  the  right 
way.  O  my  people,  verily  this  present  life  is  but  a  temporary  enjoy- 
ment; but  the  life  to  come  is  the  mansion  of  firm  continuance. 
Whoever  worketh  evil,  shall  only  be  rewarded  in  equal  proportion  to 
the  same:  but  whoever  worketh  good,  whether  male  or  female,  and 
is  a  true  believer,  they  shall  enter  paradise;  they  shall  be  provided 
for  therein  superabundantly.  And,  O  my  people,  as  for  me,  I  invite 
you  to  salvation;  but  ye  invite  me  to  hell  fire:  ye  invite  me  to  deny 
God,  and  to  associate  with  him  that  whereof  I  have  no  knowledge; 
but  I  invite  you  to  the  most  mighty,  the  forgiver  of  sins.  There  is 
no  doubt  but  that  the  false  gods  to  which  ye  invite  me,  deserve  not 
to  be  invoked,  either  in  this  world  or  in  the  next;  and  th>it  we  must 
return  unto  God ;  and  that  the  transgressors  shall  be  the  inhabitants 
of  hell  fire-  and  ye  shall  then  remember  what  I  now  say  unto  you. 
And  I  commit  my  affair  unto  God :  for  God  regardeth  his  servants. 
Wherefore  God  delivereth  him  from  the  evils  which  they  had 
devised;  and  a  grievous  punishment  encompassed  the  people  of 
Pharaoh.  They  shall  be  exposed  to  the  fire  of  hell  morning 
and  evening;  and  the  day  whereon  the  hour  of  judgment  shall  come, 
it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  Enter,  O  people  of  Pharaoh,  into  a  most 
severe  torment.  And  think  on  the  time  when  the  infidels  shall  dis- 
pute together  in  hell  fire,  and  the  weak  shall  say  unto  those  who  be- 
haved with  arrogance,  Verily  we  were  your  followers-  will  ye,  there- 
fore, relieve  us  from  any  part  of  this  fire?  Those  who  behaved  with 
arrogance  shall  answer,  Verily  we  are  all  doomed  to  suffer  therein'  for 
God  hath  nowr  judged  between  his  servants.  And  they  who  shall  be 
iu  the  fire,  shall  say  unto  the  keepers  of  hell,  Call  ye  on  your  Lord. 


AL  KORAK  255 

that  he  would  ease  us,  for  one  dar ,  from  this  punishment.  They  shall 
answer,  Did  not  your  apostles  come  unto  you  with  evident  proofs? 
They  shall  say,  Yea.  The  keepers  shall  reply,  Do  ye  therefore  call  on 
God:  but  the  calling  of  the  unbelievers  on  him  shall  be  only  in  vain. 
We  will  surely  assist  our  apostles,  and  those  who  believe,  in  this 
present  life,  and  on  the  day  whereon  the  witnesses  shall  stand  forth: 
a  day,  whereon  the  excuse  of  the  unbelievers  shall  not  avail  them ; 
but  a  curse  shall  attend  them,  and  a  wretched  abode.  We  heretofore 
gave  unto  Moses  a  direction:  and  we  left  as  an  inheritance  unto  the 
children  of  Israel  the  book  of  the  law ;  a  direction,  and  an  admonition 
to  men  of  understanding.  Wherefore  do  thou,  O  prophet,  bear  the 
insults  of  the  infidels  with  patience;  for  the  promise  of  God  is  true: 
and  ask  pardon  for  thy  fault;  arid  celebrate  the  praise  of  thy  Lord,  in 
the  evening  and  in  the  morning.  As  to  those  who  impugn  the  signs 
of  God,  without  any  convincing  proof  \vhich  hath  been  revealed  unto 
them,  there  is  nothing  but  pride  in  their  breasts;  but  they  shall  not 
attain  their  desire:  wherefore,  fly  for  refuge  unto  God,  for  it  is  he 
who  heareth  and  seeth.  Verily  the  creation  of  heaven  and  earth  is 
more  considerable  than  the  creation  of  man :  but  the  greater  part  of 
men  do  not  understand.  The  blind  and  the  seeing  shall  not  be  held 
equal;  nor  they  who  believe  and  work  righteousness,  and  the  evil- 
doer: how  few  revolve  these  things  in  their  mind!  The  last  hour 
will  surely  come;  there  is  no  doubt  thereof:  but  the  greater  part  of 
men  believe  it  not.  Your  Lord  saith.  Call  upon  me,  and  I  will  hear 
you :  but  they  who  proudly  disdain  my  service  shall  enter  with  igno- 
miny into  hell.  It  is  God  who  hath  appointed  the  night  for  you  to 
take  your  rest  therein,  and  the  day  to  give  you  light:  verily  God  is 
endued  with  beneficence  towards  mankind ;  but  the  greater  part  of 
men  do  not  give  thanks.  This  is  God,  your  Lord;  the  Creator  of  all 
things:  there  is  no  God  besides  him:  how  therefore  are  ye  turned 
aside  from  his  worship?  Thus  are  they  turned  aside  who  oppose  the 
signs  of  God.  It  is  God  who  hath  given  you  the  earth  for  a  stable 
floor,  and  the  heaven  for  a  ceiling:  and  who  hath  formed  you,  and 
made  your  forms  beautiful ;  and  f eedeth  you  with  good  things.  This 
is  God,  j'our  Lord.  Wherefore,  blessed  be  God,  the  Lord  of  all  crea- 
tures! He  is  the  living  God:  there  is  no  God  but  he.  Wherefore  call 
upon  him,  exhibiting  unto  him  the  pure  religion.  Praise  be  unto 
God,  the  Lord  of  all  creatures!  Say,  Verily  I  am  forbidden  to  wor- 
ship the  deities  which  ye  invoke, "besides  God,  after  that  evident 
proofs  have  come  unto  me  from  my  Lord ;  and  I  am  commanded  to 
resign  myself  unto  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  It  is  he  who  first  crea- 
ted you  of  dust,  and  afterwards  of  seed,  and  afterwards  of  coagulated 
blood,  and  af terwards  brought  you  forth  infants  out  of  your  mothers' 
wombs :  then  he  permitteth  you  to  attain  your  age  of  full  strength, 
and  afterwards  to  grow  old  men  (but  some  of  you  die  before  that  age). 
and  to  arrive  at  the  determined  period  of  }rour  life ;  that  peradventure 
ye  may  understand.  It  is  he  who  giveth.  life,  and  causeth  to  die:  and 


256  AL  KORAN. 

when  he  decreeth  a  thing,  he  only  saith  unto  it.  Be,  and  it  is.  Dost 
thou  not  observe  those  who  dispute  against  the  signs  of  God,  how 
they  are  turned  aside  from  the  true  faith?  They  who  charge  with 
falsehood  the  book  of  the  Koran,  and  the  other  scriptures  and  reveal- 
ed doctrines  which  we  sent  our  former  apostle  to  preach,  shall  here- 
after know  their  folly;  when  the  collars  shall  be  on  their  necks,  and 
the  chains  by  which  they  shall  be  dragged  into  hell-  then  .shall  they 
be  burned  in  the  tire.  And  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  Where  are  the 
gods  which  ye  associated,  besides  God?  They  shall  answer,  They 
have  withdrawn  themselves  from  us:  yea,  we  called  on  nothing  here 
tofore.  Thus  doth  God  lead  the  unbelievers  into  error.  This  hath 
befallen  you,  for  that  ye  rejoiced  insolently  on  earth  in  that  which 
was  false;  and  for  that  ye  were  elated  with  immoderate  joy.  Enter 
ye  the  gates  of  hell,  to  remain  therein  for  ever-  and  wretched  shall  be 
the  abode  of  the  haughty!  Wherefore  persevere  with  patience,  O 
Mohammed;  for  the  promise  of  God  is  true.  Whether  we  cause  thee 
to  see  any  part  of  the  punishment  with  which  we  have  threatened 
them,  or  whether  we  cause  thee  to  die  before  thou  see  it ;  before  us 
shall  they  be  assembled  at  the  last  day.  We  have  sent  a  great  num- 
ber of  apostles  before  thee ;  the  histories  of  some  of  whom  we  have 
related  unto  thee,  and  the  histories  of  others  of  them  we  have  not  re- 
lated unto  thee:  but  no  apostle  had  the  power  to  produce  a  sign,  un- 
less by  the  permission  of  God.  When  the  command  of  God,  there- 
fore, shall  come,  judgment  shall  be  given  with  truth;  and  then  shall 
they  perish  who  endeavour  to  render  the  signs  of  God  of  no  effect. 
It  is  God  who  hath  given  you  the  cattle,  that  ye  may  ride  on  some  of 
them,  and  may  eat  of  others  of  them  (ye  also  receive  other  advantages 
therefrom);  and  that  on  them  ye  may  arrive  at  the  business  proposed 
in  your  mind^  and  on  them  are  ye  carried  by  land,  and  on  ships  by 
sea.  And  he  showeth  you  his  signs;  which,  therefore,  of  the  signs 
of  God  will  ye  deny?  Do  they  not  pass  through  the  earth,  and  see 
what  hath  been  the  end  of  those  who  were  before  them?  They  were 
more  numerous  than  these,  and  more  mighty  in  strength,  and  left 
more  considerable  monuments  of  their  power  in  the  earth-  yet  that 
which  they  had  acquired  profited  them  not.  And  when  their 
apostles  came  unto  them  with  evident  proofs  of  their  mission,  they 
rejoiced  in  the  knowledge  which  was  with  them :  but  that  which  they 
mocked  at  encompassed  them.  And  when  they  beheld  our  vengeance, 
they  said,  We  believe  in  God  alone,  and  we  renounce  the  idols  which 
we  associated  with  him:  but  their  faith  availed  them  not,  after  they 
had  beholden  our  vengeance.  This  was  the  ordinance  of  God,  which 
was  formerly  observed  in  respect  to  his  servants:  and  then  did  the  un- 
believers perish. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

ENTITLED,    ABE  DISTINCTLY  EXPLAINED;  REVEALED  AT   MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

H  M.  This  is  a  revelation  from  the  most  Merciful :  a  book  the 
Vrerses  whereof  arejdistinctly  explained,  an  Arabic  Koran  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  people  who  understand ;  bearing  good  tidings,  and  denouncing 
threats:  but  the  greater  part  of  them  turn  aside,  and  hearken  not 
thereto.  And  they  say,  Our  hearts  are  veiled  from  the  doctrine  to 
which  thou  invitestus;  and  there  is  a  deafness  in  our  ears,  and  a 
curtain  between  us  and  thee :  wTheref ore  act  thou  as  thou  shalt  think 
lit:  for  we  shall  act  according  to  our  own  sentiments.  Say,  Verily 
I  am  only  a  man  like  you.  It  is  revealed  unto  me  that  your  God 
is  one  God:  wherefore  direct  your  way  straight  unto  him;  and  ask 
pardon  of  him  for  what  is  past.  And  woe  be  to  the  idolaters;  who 
give  not  the  appointed  alms,  and  believe  not  in  the  life  to  come!  But 
as  to  .those  who  believe  and  work  righteousness;  they  shall  receive  an 
everlasting  reward.  Say,  Do  ye  indeed  disbelieve  in  him  who  created 
the  earth  in  two  days;  and  do  ye  set  up  equals  unto  him?  He  is  the 
Lord  of  all  creatures.  And  he  placed  in  the  earth  mountains  firmly 
rooted,  rising  above  the  same:  and  he  blessed  it;  and  provided 
therein  the  food  of  the  creatures  designed  10  be  the  inhabitants  thereof, 
in  four  days;  equally  for  those  who  ask.  Then  he  set  his  mind  to 
the  creation  of  heaven;  and  it  was  smoke:  and  he  said  unto  it,  and  to 
the  earth,  Come,  either  obediently,  or  against  your  will.  They  an- 
swered, We  come,  obedient  to  thy  command.  And  he  formed  them 
into  seven  heavens,  in  two  days;  and  revealed  unto  every  heaven  its 
office.  And  we  adorned  the  lower  heaven  with  lights,  and  placed  there- 
in a  guard  of  angels.  This  is  the  disposition  of  the  mighty,  the  wise 
God.  If  the  Meccans  withdraw  from  these  instructions,  say,  I  denounce 
unto  you  a  sudden  destruction,  like  the  destruction  of  Ad  and  Thamud. 
When  the  apostles  came  unto  them  before  them  and  behind  them, 
saying,  Worship  God  alone:  they  answered,  if  our  Lord  had  been 
pleased  to  send  messengers,  he  had  surely  sent  angels:  and  we  believe 
not  the  message  with  which  ye  are  sent.  As  to  the  tribe  of  Ad,  they 
behaved  insolently  in  the  earth,  without  reason,  and  said,  Who  is  more 
mighty  than  we  in  strength?  Did  they  not  see  that  God,  who  had 
created  them,  was  more  mighty  than  they  in  strength  ?  And  they  know- 
ingly rejected  our  signs.  Wherefore  we  sent  against  them  a  piercing 
wind,  on  days  of  ill  luck,  that  we  might  make  them  taste  the  punish- 
ment of  shame  in  this  world :  but  the  punishment  of  the  life  to  come 
will  be  more  shameful;  and  they  shall  not  be  protected  therefrom 


258  AL  KORAN. 

And  as  to  Thamtid,  we  directed  them ;  but  they  loved  blindness  better 
than  the  true  direction :  wherefore  the  terrible  noise  of  an  ignominious 
punishment  assailed  them,  for  that  which  they  had  deserved ;  but  we 
delivered  those  who  believed  and  feared  God.  And  warn  them  of  the 
day,  on  which  the  enemies  of  God  shall  be  gathered  together  unto  hell 
fire,and  shall  march  in  distinct  bands;  until,  when  they  shall  arrive  there- 
at, their  ears,  and  their  eyes,  and  their  skins  shall  bear  witness  against 
them  of  that  which  they  shall  have  wrought.  And  they  shall  say  unto 
their  skins,  Wherefore  do  ye  bear  witness  against  us?  They  shall  an- 
swer, God  hath  caused  us  to  speak, who  giveth  speech  unto  all  things 
he  created  you  the  first  time ;  and  unto  him  are  ye  returned.  Ye  did  not 
hide  yourselves,  while  ye  sinned,  so  that  your  ears,  and  your  eyes,  and 
your  skins  could  not  bear  witness  against  you :  but  ye  thought  that  God 
was  ignorant  of  many  things  which  ye  did.  This  was  your  opinion, 
which  ye  imagined  of  your  Lord:  it  hath  ruined  you;  and  ye  are 
become  lost  people.  Whether  they  bear  their  torment,  hell  tire  shall 
be  their  abode;  or  whether  they  beg  for  favour,  they  shall  not  obtain 
favour.  And  we  will  give  them  the  devils  to  be  their  companions; 
for  they  dressed  up  for  them  the  false  notions  which  the}'  entertained 
of  this  present  world,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come ,  and  the  sentence 
justly  fitteth  them,  which  was  formerly  pronounced  on  the  nations  of 
genii  and  men  who  were  before  them ;  for  they  perished.  The  un- 
believers say,  Hearken  not  unto  this  Koran .  but  use  vain  discourse 
during  the  reading  thereof;  that  ye  may  overcome  the  voice  of  the 
reader  by  your  scoffs  and  laughter.  Wherefore  we  will  surely  cause 
the  unbelievers  to  taste  a  grievous  punishment,  and  we  will  certainly 
reward  them  for  the  evils  which  they  shall  have  wrought.  This  shall 
be  the  reward  of  the  enemies  of  God,  namely,  hell  fire;  therein  is 
prepared  for  them  an  everlasting  abode,  as  a  reward  for  that  they 
have  wittingly  rejected  our  signs.  And  the  infidels  shall  say  in  hell,  O 
Lord,  show  us  the  two  who  seduced  us,  of  the  genii  and  men,  and  we 
will  cast  them  under  our  feet,  that  they  may  become  most  base  and 
despicable.  As  for  those  who  say,  Our  Lord  is  God,  and  who  behave 
uprightly;  the  angels  shall  descend  unto  them,  and  shall  say,  Fear 
not,  neither  be  ye  grieved;  but  rejoice  in  the  hopes  of  paradise"  which 
ye  have  been  promised.  We  are  your  friends  in  this  life,  and  in  that 
which  is  to  come:  therein  shall  ye  have  that  which  your  souls  shall 
desire,  and  therein  shall  ye  obtain  whatever  ye  shall  ask  for;  as  a 
gift  from  a  gracious  and  merciful  God.  Who  speaketh  better  than 
he  who  inviteth  unto  God,  and  worketh  righteousness,  and  saith,  I 
am  a  Moslem?  Good  and  evil  shall  not  be  held  equal.  Turn  away 
evil  with  that  which  is  better;  and  behold  the  man  between  whom 
and  thyself  there  was  enmity,  shall  become,  as  it  were,  thy  warmest 
friend:  but  none  shall  attain  to  this  perfection,  except  they  who  are 
patient; nor  shall  any  attain  thereto,  except  he  who  is  endued  with  a 
great  happiness  of  temper.  And  if  a  malicious  suggestion  be  offered 
Onto  thee  from  Satan,  have  recourse  unto  God;  for  it  is  he  who  hear- 


AL  KORAN.  259 

eth  and  knoweth.  Among  the  signs  of  his  power  are  the  night,  and 
the  day,  and  the  sun,  and  the  moon.  Worship  not  the  sun,  neither 
the  moon:  but  worship  God,  who  hath  created  them;  if  ye  serve 
him.  But  if  they  proudly  disdain  his  service;  verily  the  angels,  who 
are  with  thy  Lord,  praise  him  night  and  day,  and  are  not  wearied. 
And  among  his  signs  another  is,  that  thou  seest  the  land  waste:  but 
when  we  send  down  rain  thereon,  it  is  stirred  and  fermenteth.  And 
he  who  quickeneth  the  earth,  will  surely  quicken  the  dead;  for  he  is 
almighty.  Verily  those  who  impiously  wrong  our  signs,  are  not  con- 
cealed from  us.  13  he,  therefore,  better,  who  shall  be  cast  into  hell 
fire,  or  he  who  shall  appear  secure  on  the  day  of  resurrection?  Work 
that  which  ye  will:  he  certainly  beholdeth  whatever  ye  do.  Verily 
they  who  believe  not  in  the  admonition  of  the  Koran,  after  it  hath 
come  unto  them,  shall  one  day  be  discovered.  It  is  certainly  a  book 
of  infinite  value-  vanity  shall  not  approach  it,  either  from  before  it  or 
from  behind  it :  it  is  a  revelation  from  a  wise  God,  whose  praise  is 
justly  to  be  celebrated.  No  other  is  said  unto  thee  by  the  infidels  of 
Mecca,  than  what  hath  been  formerly  said  unto  the  apostles  before 
thee :  verily  thy  Lord  is  inclined  to  forgiveness,  and  is  also  able  to 
chastise  severely.  If  we  had  revealed  the  Korfin  in  a  foreign 
language,  they  had  surely  said,  Unless  the  signs  thereof  be  distinctly 
explained,  we  will  not  receive  the  same:  is  the  book  written  in  a 
foreign  tongue,  and  the  person  unto  whom  it  is  directed  an  Arabian? 
Answer,  It  is,  unto  those  who  believe,  a  sure  guide,  and  a  remedy 
for  doubt  and  uncertainty:  but  unto  those  who  believe  not,  it  is  a 
thickness  of  hearing  in  their  ears,  and  it  is  a  darkness  which  covereth 
them;  these  are  as  they  who  are  called  unto  from  a  distant  place. 
We  heretofore  gave  the  book  of  the  law  unto  Moses;  and  a  dispute 
arose  concerning  the  same:  and  if  a  previous  decree  had  not  proceeded 
from  thy  Lord,  to  respite  the  opposers  of  that  revelation,  verily  the 
matter  had  been  decided  between  them,  by  the  destruction  of  the 
infidels;  for  they  were  in  a  very  great  doubt  as  to  the  same.  He  who 
doth  right,  doth  it  to  the  advantage  of  his  own  soul;  and  he  who  doth 
evil,  doth  it  against  the  same:  for  thy  Lord  is  not  unjust  towards  his 
servants.  (XXV.)  Unto  him  is  rese'rvcd  the  knowledge  of  the  hour 
of  judgment  and  no  fruit  cometh  forth  from  the  knops  which  involve 
it;  neither  doth  any  female  conceive  in  her  womb,  nor  is  she  deliv- 
ered of  her  burden,  without  his  knowledge.  On  the  day  whereon  he 
shall  call  them  to  him,  saying,  Where  are  my  companions  which  ye 
ascribed  unto  me?  they  shall  answer,  We  assure  thee  there  is  no  wit- 
ness of  this  matter  among  us:  and  the  idols  which  they  called  on 
before,  shall  withdraw  themselves  from  them;  and  they  shall  perceive 
that  there  will  be  no  way  to  escape.  Man  is  not  wearied  with  ask- 
ing iinod;  but  if  evil  befall  him,  he  despondeth  and  despaireth.  And 
if  \\ccau-e  him  to  taste  mercy  from  us,  after  affliction  hath  touched 
him,  he  surely  saith,  This  is  due  to  me  on  account  of  my  deserts:  I 
do  not  think  the  hour  of  judgment  will  ever  come;  and  if  I  be 


260  AL  KORAN. 

brought  before  my  Lord,  I  shall  surely  attain,  with  him,  the  most 
excellent  condition.  But  we  will  then  declare  unto  those  who  shall 
not  have  believed,  that  which  they  have  wrought;  and  we  will  surely 
cause  them  to  taste  a  most  severe  punishment.  When  we  confer 
favours  on  man,  he  turneth  aside,  and  departeth  without  returning 
thanks:  but  when  evil  touchelh  him,  he  is  frequent  at  prayer.  Say, 
What  think  ye?  if  the  Koran  be  from  God,  and  ye  believe  not  there- 
in; who  will  lie  under  a  greater  error,  than  he  who  dissenteth  widely 
therefrom'?  Hereafter  we  will  show  them  our  signs  in  the  regions  of 
the  earth,  and  in  themselves;  until  it  become  manifest  unto  them 
that  this  book  is  the  truth.  Is  it  not  sufficient  for  thee  that  thy 
Lord  is  witness  of  all  things?  Are  they  not  in  a  doubt  as  to  the 
meeting  of  their  Lord  at  the  resurrection?  Doth  not  he  encompass 
all  things? 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

ENTITLED,  CONSULTATION;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

H.  M.  A.  S.  K.  Thus  doth  the  mighty,  the  wise  God,  reveal  his, 
will  unto  thee;  and  in  like  manner  did  he  reveal  it  unto  the  prophets 
who  were  before  thee.  Unto  him  belougeth  whatever  is  in  heaven 
and  in  earth;  and  he  is  the  high,  the  great  God.  It  wanteth  little  but 
that  the  heavens  be  rent  in  sunder  from  above,  at  the  awfulnos  <>t 
his  majesty:  the  angels  celebrate  the -praise  of  their  Lord,  and  a>k 
pardon  for  those  who  dwell  in  the  earth.  Is  not  God  the  forgiver  of 
sins,  the  merciful?  But  as  to  those  who  take  other  gods  for  their  pa 
Irons,  besides  him,  God  observeth  their  actions:  for  thou  art  not  a 
steward  over  them.  Thus  have  we  revealed  unto  thee  an  Arabic 
Koran,  that  thoumayest  warn  the  metropolis  of  Mecca,  and  the  Arabs 
who  dwell  round  about  it;  and  mayest  threaten  them  with  the  day  of 
the  general  assembly,  of  which  there  is  no  doubt:  one  part  shall  then 
be  placed  in  paradise,  and  another  part  in  hell.  If  God  had  pleaded. 
he  had  made  them  all  of  one  religion:  but  he  leadeth  whom  he  pleas- 
eth  into  his  mercy;  and  the  unjust  shall  have  no  patron  or  helper. 
Do  they  take  other  patrons  besides  him  ?  whereas  God  is  the  only  true 
patron:  he  quickeneth  the  dead;  and  he  is  almighty.  Whatever 
matter  ye  disagree  about,  the  decision  thereof  appertained!  unto  God. 
This  is  God,  my  Lord:  in  him  do  I  trust,  and  unto  him  do  I  turn  me; 
the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth:  he  hath  given  you  wives  of  your 
own  species,  and  cattle  both  male  and  female:  by  which  means  lie 
multiplieth  you:  there  is  nothing  like  him;  and  it  is  he  who  heareth 
and  seeth.  His  are  the  keys  of  heaven  and  earth:  he  bestoweth  pro- 
vision abundantly  on  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  he  is  sparing  unto  whom 
he  pleaseth ;  for  he  knoweth  all  things.  He  hath  ordained  you  the 


A  I.   RORAX.  261 

religion  which  he  commanded  Xoah,  and  which  we  have  revealed 
unto  thee,  O  Mohammed,  and  which  we  commanded  Abraham,  and 
Mosrs,  and  Jesus:  saying,  Observe  this  religion,  and  be  not  divided 
therein.  The  worship  of  one  God,  to  which  thou  invitest  them,  is 
grievous  unto  the  unbelievers:  CJod  will  elect  hereto  whom  he  pleas- 
el  h,  and  will  direct  unto  the  same  him  who  shall  repent.  Those  who 
lived  in  times  past  were  not  divided  among  themselves,  until  after 
that  the  knowledge  of  God-'s  unity  had  come  unto  them;  through 
their  own  perverseness;  and  unless  a  previous  decree  had  passed 
from  thy  Lord,  to  bear  with  them  till  a  determined  time,  verily  the 
matter  had  been  decided  between  them  by  the  destruction  of  the 
gainsayers.  They  who  have  inherited  the  scriptures  after  them,  are 
certainly  in  a  perplexing  doubt  concerning  the  same.  Wherefore  in- 
vite them  to  receive  the  sure  faith,  and  be  urgent  with  them,  as  thou 
hast  been  commanded;  and  follow  not  their  vain  desires:  and  say.  I 
believe  in  all  the  scriptures  which  God  hath  sent  down;  and  I  am 
commanded  to  establish  justice  among  you:  God  is  our  Lord  and 
your  Lord:  unto  us  will  our  works  be  imputed,  and  unto  you  will 
your  works  be  imputed:  let  there  be  no  wrangling  between  us  and 
you;  for  God  will  assemble  us  all  at  the  last  day,  and  unto  him  shall 
we  return.  As  to  those  who  dispute  concerning  God,  after  obedience 
hath  been  paid  him  by  receiving  his  religion,  their  disputing  shall  be 
vain  in  the  sight  of  their  Lord;  and  wrath  shall  fall  on  them,  and 
they  shall  suffer  a  grievous  punishment.  It  is  God  wrho  hath  sent 
down  the  scripture  with  truth;  and  the  balance  of  true  judgment, 
and  what  shall  inform  thee  whether  the  hour  be  nigh  at  hand?  They 
who  believe  not  therein,  wish  it  to  be  hastened  by  way  of  mockery: 
but  they  who  believe  dread  the  same,  and  know  it  to  be  the  truth. 
Are  not  those  who  dispute  concerning  the  last  hour  in  a  wide  error? 
God  is  bounteous  unto  his  servants:  he  provideth  for  whom  he  pleas- 
eth;  and  he  is  the  strong,  the  mighty.  Whoso  chooseth  the  tillage 
of  the  life  to  come,  unto  him  will  we  give  increase  in  his  tillage:  and 
whoso  chooseth  the  tillage  of  this  world,  we  will  give  him  the  fruit 
thereof;  but  he  shall  have  no  part  in  the  life  to  come.  Have  the 
idolaters  deities  which  ordain  them  a  religion  which  God  hath  not  al- 
lowed? But  had  it  not  been  for  the  decree  of  respiting  ttieir  punish- 
nu-nt  to  the  day  of  separating  the  infidels  from  the  true  believers, 
judgment  had  been  already  given  between  them:  for  the  unjust  shall 
surely  suiter  a  painful  torment.  On  that  day  thou  shall  see  the  un- 
just in  great  terror,  because  of  their  demerits;  and  the  penalty  thereof 
shall  fall  upon  them:  but  they  who  believe  and  do  good  works,  shall 
dwell  in  the  delightful  meadows  of  paradise;  they  shall  obtain  what- 
ever they  shall  desire,  with  their  Lord.  This  is  the  greatest  acquisi- 
tion. This  is  what  God  promiseth  unto  his  servants  who  believe  and 
do  good  works.  Say,  I  ask  not  of  you,  for  this  my  preaching,  any 
reward,  except  the  love  of  my  relations:  and  whoever  shall  have  de- 
served well  by  one  good  action,  unto  him  will  we  add  the  merit  of 


2C-2  AL  KORAX. 

another  action  thereto:  for  God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  ready  to 
reward.  Do  they  say,  Mohammed  hath  blasphemously  forged  a  lie 
concerning  God?  If  God  pleaseth.  he  will  seal  up  thy  heart:  and 
God  will  absolutely  abolish  vanity,  and  will  establish  the  truth  in  his 
words;  for  he  kuoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  men's  breasts.  It  is 
he  who  accepteth  repentance  from  his  servants,  and  forgiveth  sins. 
and  knoweth  that  which  ye  do.  He  will  incline  his  ear  unto  those 
who  believe  and  work  righteousness,  and  will  add  unto  them  above 
what  they  shall  ask  or  deserve,  of  his  bounty:  but  the  unbelievers 
shall  suffer  a  severe  punishment.  If  *God  should  bestow  abundance 
upon  his  servants,  they  would  certainly  behave  insolently  in  the  earth: 
hut  he  sendeth  down  by  measure  unto  every  one  that  which  he  pleas- 
eth; for  he  well  knoweth  and  seeth  the  condition  of  his  servants.  It 
is  lie  who  sendeth  down  the  rain,  after  men  have  despaired  thereof, 
and  spreadeth  abroad  his  mercy;  and  he  is  the  patron  justly  to  be 
praised.  Among  his  signs  is  the  creation  of  heaven  and  earth;  and 
of  the  living  creatures'with  which  he  hath  replenished  them  both; 
and  he  is  able  to  gather  them  together  before  his  tribunal  whenever 
he  pleaseth.  Whatever  misfortune  Iwfalleth  you  is  sent  you  by  God, 
for  that  which  your  hands  have  deserved;  and  yet  he  forgiveth  many 
things:  ye  shall  not  frustrate  the  divine  vengeance  in  the  earth; 
neither  shall  ye  have  any  protector  or  helper  against  God.  Among 
his  siurus  also  are  the  ships  running  in  the  sea.  like  high  mountains:  if 
he  pleaseth,  he  causeth  the  wind  to  cease,  and  they  lie  still  on  the 
back  of  the  water  (verily  herein  are  signs,  unto  every  patient  and 
grateful  person):  or  he  destroyeth  them  by  shipwreck,  because  of  that 
which  their  crews  have  merited;  though  he  pardonetli  many  tilings. 
And  they  who  dispute  against  our  Hgns  shall  know  that  there  will  be 
no  way  for  them  to  escape  our  vengeance.  Whatever  things  are 
given  you,  they  are  the  provision  of  this  present  life:  but  the  reward 
which  is  with  "God  is  better  and  more  durable,  for  those  who  believe 
and  put  their  trust  in  their  Lord;  and  who  avoid  heinous  and  filthy 
crimes,  and  when  they  are  angry,  forgive;  and  who  hearken  unto  their 
Lord,  and  are  constantly  at  prayer,  and  whose  affairs  are  directed  by 
consultation  among  themselves,  and  who  give  alms  out  of  what  we 
have  bestowed  on  them;  and  who,  when  an  injury  is  done  them, 
avenge  themselves  (and  the  retaliation  of  evil  ought  to  be  an  evil 
proportionate  thereto):  but  he  who  forgiveth,  and  is  reconciled 
unto  his  enemy,  shall  receive  his  reward  from  God;  for  he  loveth 
not  the  unjust  doers.  And  whoso  shall  avenge  himself,  after  he 
hath  been  injured;  as  to  these,  it  is  not  lawful  to  punish  them 
for  it:  but  it  is  only  lawful  to  punish  those  who  wrong  men.  and 
act  insolently  in  the  earth,  against  justice;  these  shall  suffer  a 
grievous  punishment.  And  whoso  beareth  injuries  patiently,  and 
forgiveth;  verily  this  is  a  necessary  work.  Whom  God  shall  cause 
to  err,  he  shall  afterwards  have  no  protector.  And  thou  shalt  see 
the  ungodly,  who  shall  say,  when  they  behold  the  punishment  pre- 


AL  KORAN.  263 

pared  for  them,  Is  there  no  way  to  return  back  into  the  world? 
And  thou  shalt  see  them  exposed  unto  hell  fire ;  dejected,  because  of 
the  ignominy  they  shall  undergo:  they  shall  look  at  the  fire  sideways 
and  by  stealth;  and  the  true  believers  shall  say,  Verily  the  losers  are 
they  who  have  lost  their  own  souls,  and  their  families,  on  the  day  of 
resurrection:  shall  not  the  ungodly  continue  in  eternal  torment?  They 
shall  have  no  protectors  to  defend  them  against  God:  and  whom  God 
shall  cause  to  err,  he  shall  find  no  way  to  the  truth.  Hearken  unto 
your  Lord,  before  the  day  come,  which  God  will  not  keep  back:  ye 
shall  have  no  place  of  refuge  on  that  day;  neither  shall  you  be  able 
to  deny  your  sins.  But  if  those  to  whom  thou  preachest  turn  aside 
from  thy  admonitions,  verily  we  have  not  sent  thee  to  be  a  guardian 
over  them:  thy  duty  is  preaching  only.  When  we  cause  man  to  taste 
mercy  from  us,  he  rejoiceth  thereat:  but  if  evil  befall  them,  for  that 
which  their  hands  have  formerly  committed,  verily  man  becometh 
ungrateful.  Unto  God  appertained  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and 
earth:  he  createth  that  which  he  pleaseth;  he  giveth  females  unto 
whom  he  pleaseth,  and  he  giveth  males  unto  whom  he  pleaseth;  or 
he  giveth  the  males  and  females  jointly:  and  he  maketh  whom  he 
pleaseth  to  be  childless;  for  he  is  wise  and  powerful.  It  is  not  fit  for 
man  that  God  should  speak  unto  him  otherwise  than  by  private  reve- 
lation, or  from  behind  a  veil,  or  by  his  sending  of  a  messenger  to  re- 
veal, by  his  permission,  that  which  he  pleaseth;  for  he  is  high  and 
wise.  Thus  have  we  revealed  unto  thee  a  revelation,  by  our  com- 
mand. Thou  didst  not  understand,  before  this,  what  the  book  of  the 
Koran  was,  nor  what  the  faith  was:  but  we  have  ordained  the  same 
for  a  light;  we  will  thereby  direct  such  of  our  servants  as  we  please: 
and  thou  shalt  surely  direct  them  into  the  right  way,  the  way  of  God, 
unto  whom  belongeth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  Shall  not 
all  things  return  unto  God? 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

ENTITLED,  THE  ORNAMENTS  OP  GOLD;    REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

H.  M.  By  the  perspicuous  book;  verily  we  have  ordained  the 
same  an  Arabic  Koran,  that  ye  may  understand :  and  it  is  cer- 
tainly written  in  the  original  book,  kept  with  us,  being  sublime  and 
full  of  wisdom.  Shall  we  therefore  turn  away  from  you  the  admoni- 
tion, and  deprive  you  thereof,  because  ye  are  a  people  who  trans- 
gress? And  how  many  prophets  have  we  sent  among  those  of  old? 
and  no  prophet  came  unto  them,  but  they  laughed  him  to  scorn: 
wherefore  we  destroyed  nations  who  were  more  mighty  than  these 
in  strength;  and  the  example  of  those  who  were  of  old,  hath  been 
already  set  before  them.  If  thou  ask  them  who  created  the  heavens 


264  AL  KORAN. 

and  the  earth,  they  will  certainly  answer,  The  mighty,  the  wise  God 
created  them:  who  hath  spread  the  earth  as  a  bed  for  you,  and  hath 
made  you  paths  therein,  that  ye  may  be  directed:  and  who  sendeth 
down  rain  from  heaven  by  measure,  whereby  we  quicken  a  dead 
country  (so  shall  ye  be  brought  forth  from  your  graves):  and  who 
hath  created  all  the  various  species  of  things,  and  hath  given  you 
ships  and  cattle,  whereon  ye  are  carried;  that  ye  may  sit  firmly  on 
the  backs  thereof,  and  may  remember  the  favour  of  your  Lord,  when 
ye  sit  thereon,  and  may  say,  Praise  be  unto  him,  who  hath  subjected 
these  unto  our  service !  for  we  could  not  have  mastered  them  by  our 
own  power:  and  unto  our  Lord  shall  we  surely  return.  Yet  have 
they  attributed  unto  him  some  of  his  servants  as  his  offspring:  verily 
man  is  openly  ungrateful.  Hath  God  taken  daughters  out  of  those 
beings  which  he  hath  created;  and  hath  he  chosen  sons  for  you? 
But  when  one  of  them  hath  the  news  brought  of  the  birth  of  a  child 
of  that  sex  which  they  attribute  unto  the  Merciful,  as  his  similitude. 
his  face  becometh  black,  and  he  is  oppressed  with  sorrow.  Do  they 
therefore  attribute  unto  God  female  issue,  which  are  brought  up 
among  ornaments,  and  are  contentious  without  cause?  And  do  they 
make  the  angels,  who  are  the  servants  of  the  Merciful,  females? 
Were  they  present  at  their  creation?  Their  testimony  shall  be  writ- 
ten down,  and  they  shall  be  examined  concerning  the  same,  on  the 
day  of  judgment.  And  they  say,  If  the  Merciful  had  pleased,  we 
had  not  worshipped  them.  They  have  no  knowledge  herein :  they 
only  utter  a  vain  lie.  Have  we  given  them  a  book  of  revelations 
before  this;  and  do  they  keep  the  same  in  their  custody?  But  they 
say,  Verily  we  found  our  fathers  practising  a  religion;  and  we  are 
guided  in  their  footsteps.  Thus  we  sent  no  preacher,  before  thee, 
unto  any  city,  but  the  inhabitants  thereof  who  lived  in  affluence, 
said,  Verily  we  found  our  fathers  practising  a  religion :  and  we  tread 
in  their  footsteps.  And  the  preacher  answered,  What,  although  I 
bring  you  a-  more  right  religion  than  that  which  ye  found  your 
fathers  to  practise?  And  they  replied,  Verily  we  believe  not  that 
which  ye  are  sent  to  preach.  Wherefore  we  took  vengeance  on  them: 
and  behold  what  hath  been  the  end  of  those  who  accused  our  apostles 
of  imposture.  Remember  when  Abraham  said  unto  his  father,  and 
his  people.  Verily  I  am  clear  of  the  gods  which  ye  worship,  except 
him  who  hath  created  me;  for  he  will  direct  me  aright.  And  lie 
ordained  this  to  be  a  constant  doctrine  among  his  posterity;  that  they 
should  be  turned  from  idolatry  to  the  worship  of  the  onfy  true  God. 
Verily  I  have  permitted  these  Meccans  and  their  fathers  to  live  in 
prosperity,  until  the  truth  should  come  unto  them,  and  a  manifest 
apostle,  but  now  the  truth  is  come  unto  them,  they  say,  This  is  a 
piece  of  forgery;  and  we  believe  not  therein.  And  they  say,  Had 
this  Koran  been  sent  down  unto  some  great  man  of  either  of  the  two 
cities,  we  would  have  received  it.  Do  they  distribute  the  mercy  of 
thy  Lord?  We  distribute  their  necessary  provision  among  them,  in 


AL  KORAN.  365 

this  present  Mfe,  and  we  raise  some  of  them  several  degrees  above  the 
otncis,  iiiat  the  </ne  of  them  may  take  the  other  to  serve  him:  and 
the  mercy  of  thy  Lord  is  more  valuable  than  the  riches  which  they 
gather  together.  If  it  were  not  that  mankind  would  have  become 
one  sect  of  infidels,  verily  we  had  given  unto  those  who  believe  not 
in  the  Merciful,  roofs?  of  silver  to  their  houses,  and  stairs  of  silver,  by 
which  they  might  ascend  thereto,  and  doors  of  silver  to  their  houses, 
and  couches  of  silver  foi  them  to  lean  on;  and  ornaments  of  gold: 
for  all  this  is  the  provision  of  the  present  life;  but  the  next  life  with 
thy  Lord  <hall  he  for  those  who  fear  him.  Whoever  shall  withdraw 
from  the  admonition  of  the  Merciful,  we  will  chain  a  devil  unto  him; 
and  he  shall  be  his  inseparable  companion  (and  the  devils  shall  turn 
them  aside  from  the  way  ol'  truth ;  yet  they  shall  imagine  themselves 
to  be  rightly  directed)  until,  when  he  shall  appear  before  us  at  the 
last  day,  he  shall  say  unto  tue  devil,  Would  to  God  that  between  me 
and  thee  there  was  the  distance  of  the  east  from  the  west!  Oh  how 
wretched  a  companion  art  thou :  But  wishes  shall  not  avail  you  on 
this  day,  since  ye  have  been  unjust;  for  ye  shall  be  partakers  of  the 
same  punishment.  Canst  thou,  O  prophet,  make  the  deaf  to  hear, 
or  canst  tbou  direct  the  blind,  and  him  who  is  in  a  manifest  error? 
Whether  we  take  thee  away,  we  will  surely  take  vengeance  on  them; 
or  whether  we  cause  thee  to  see  the  punishment  with  which  we  have 
threatened  them,  executed,  we  will  certainly  prevail  over  them. 
Wherefore  hold  fast  the  doctrine  which  hath  been  revealed  unto  thee; 
for  thou  art  in  a  right  way  and  it  u  a  memorial  unto  thee  and  thy 
people,  and  hereafter  shall  ye  be  examined  concerning  your  observance 
thereof.  And  ask  our  apostles  whom  we  have  sent  before  thee,  wheth- 
er we  have  appointed  gods  for  them  tu  worship,  besides  the  Merciful. 
We  formerly  sent  Moses  with  our  signs  unto  Pharoah  and  his  princes, 
and  he  said,  Verily  I  am  the  apostle  of  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  And 
when  he  came  unto  them  with  our  signs,  behold,  they  laughed  him 
to  scorn  although  we  showed  them  no  sign,  but  it  was  greater  than 
the  other  and  we  inflicted  a  punishment  on  them,  that  peradventure 
they  might  be  converted.  And  they  said  unto  Moses,  O  magician, 
pray  unto  thy  Lord  for  us,  according  to  the  covenant  which  he  hath 
made  with  thee  for  we  will  certainly  be  directed.  But  when  v:e  took 
the  plague  from  off  them,  behold,  they  brake  their  promise.  And. 
Pharaoh  made  proclamation  among  his  people,  saying,  O  my  people, 
is  not  the  kingdom  of  Egypt  mine,  and  these  rivers  which  flow  beneath, 
me?  Do  ye  not  see?  Am  not  I  better  than  this  Moses;  who  is  >\  con- 
temptible person,  and  can  scarce  express  himself  intelligibly?  Have 
bracelets  of  gold,  therefore,  been  put  upon  him;  or  do  the  angels  at- 
tend him  in  orderly  procession?  And  Pharaoh  persuaded  his  people 
to  light  behaviour;  and  they  obeyed  him:  for  they  were  a  wicked 
people.  And  when  they  had  provoked  us  to  wrath,  we  took  ven- 
geance on  them,  and  we  drowned  them  all :  and  we  made  them  a  pre- 
cedent and  an  example  unto  others.  And  when  the  son  of  Mary  was 


266  AL  KORAX. 

proposed  for  an  example;  behold,  thy  people  cried  out  through  excess 
of  joy  thereat;  and  they  said,  Are  our  gods  better,  or  he?  They 
have  proposed  this  instance  unto  thee  no  otherwise  than  for  an 
occasion  01  dispute:  yea,  they  are  contentious  men.  Jesus  is  no 
other  than  a  servant,  whom  we  favored  with  the  gift  of  prophecy; 
aud  we  appointed  him  for  an  example  unto  the  children  of  Israel  (if 
we  pleased,  verily  we  could  from  ourselves  produce  angels,  to  suc- 
ceed you  in  the  earth) :  and  he  shall  be  r  sign  of  the  approach  of  the 
last  hour;  wherefore  doubt  not  thereot  And  follow  me:  this  is  the 
right  way.  And  let  not  Satan  cause  you  to  turn  aside:  for  he  is  your 
open  enemy.  And  when  Jesus  came  with  evident  miracles,  he  said, 
Now  am  I  come  unto  you  with  wisdom;  and  to  explain  unto  you  part 
of  those  things  concerning  which  ye  disagree:  wherefore  fear  God, 
and  obey  me.  Verily  God  is  my  Lord  and  your  Lord ;  wherefore 
worship  him:  this  is  the  right  way.  And  the  confederated  sects 
among  them  fell  to  variance:  but  woe  unto  those  who  have  acted  un- 
justly, because  of  the  punishment  of  a  grievous  day.  Do  the  unbe- 
lievers wait  for  any  other  than  the  hour  of  judgment;  that  it  may  come 
upon  them  suddenly,  while  they  foresee  it  not?  The  intimate  friends, 
on  that  day,  shall  be  enemies  unto  one  another;  except  the  pious.  O 
my  servants,  there  shall  no  fear  come  on  you  this  day,  neither  shall  ye 
be  grieved;  who  have  believed  in  our  signs,  and  have  been  Moslems: 
enter  ye  into  paradise,  ye  and  your  wives,  with  great  joy.  Dishes  of 
gold  shall  be  carried  round  unto  them,  and  cups  without  handles- 
and  therein  shall  they  enjoy  whatever  their  souls  shall  desire,  and 
whatever  their  eyes  shall  delight  in :  and  ye  shall  remain  therein  for 
ever.  This  is  paradise,  which  ye  have  inherited  as  a  reward  for  that 
which  ye  have  wrought.  Therein  shall  ye  have  fruits  in  abundance, 
of  which  ye  shall  eat.  But  the  wicked  shall  remain  for  ever  in  the 
torment  of  hell:  it  shall  not  be  made  lighter  unto  them;  and  they 
shall  despair  therein.  We  deal  not  unjustly  with  them,  but  they  deal 
unjustly  with  their  own  souls.  And  they  shall  call  aloud,  saying,  O 
Malec,  intercede  for  us  that  thy  Lord  would  end  us  by  annihilation. 
He  shall  answer,  Verily  ye  shall  remain  here  forever.  We  brought  you 
the  truth  heretofore,  but  the  greater  part  of  you  abhorred  the  truth. 
Have  the  infidels  fixed  on  a  method  to  circumvent  our  apostle?  Verily 
we  will  fix  on  a  method  to  circumvent  them.  Do  they  imagine  that 
\ve  hear  not  their  secrets,  and  their  private  discourse?  Yea;  and  our 
messengers  who  attend  them  write  down  the  same.  Say,  if  the  Merci- 
ful had  a  son,  verily  I  would  be  the  first  of  those  who  should  worship 
him.  Far  be  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  the  Lord  of  the  throne, 
from  that  which  they  affirm  of  him !  Wherefore  let  them  wade  in 
their  vanity,  and  divert  themselves,  until  the}'  arrive  at  their  day 
with  which  they  have  been  threatened.  He  who  is  God  in  heaven,  is 
God  on  earth  also:  and  he  is  the  wise,  the  knowing.  And  blessed  be 
he  unto  whom  appertaineth  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  of 
whatever  is  between  them;  with  whom  is  the  knowledge  of  the  last 


AL  KORAN.  267 

hour;  and  before  whom  ye  shall  be  assembled.  They  whom  they 
invoke  besides  him,  have  not  the  privilege  to  intercede  for  others; 
except  those  who  bear  witness  to  the  truth,  and  know  the  same.  It' 
thou  ask  them  who  hath  created  them,  they  will  surely  answer,  God. 
How  therefore  are  they  turned  away  to  the  worship  of  others?  God 
also  heareth  the  saying  of  the  prophet,  O  Lord,  verily  these  are  people 
who  believe  not:  and  he  answered,  Therefore  turn  aside  from  them; 
and  say,  Peace:  hereafter  shall  they  know  their  folly. 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

ENTITLED,    SMOKE;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

THE  NAME  OF   THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

H.  M.  By  the  perspicuous  book  of  the  Koran ;  verily  we  have  sent 
down  the  same  on  a  blessed  night  (for  we  had  engaged  so  to  do), 
on  the  night  wherein  is  distinctly  sent  down  the  decree  of  every 
determined  tiling,  as  a  command  from  us.  Verily  we  have  ever  used 
t)  send  apostles  with  revelations,  at  proper  intervals,  as  a  mercy  from 
thy  Lord;  for  it  is  he  who  heareth  and  knoweth:  the  Lord  of  heaven 
ami  earth,  and  of  whatever  is  between  them;  if  ye  are  men  of  sure 
knowledge.  There  is  no  God  but  he:  he  giveth  life,  and  he  causeth 
to  die ;  he  is  your  Lord,  and  the  Lord  of  your  forefathers.  Yet  do 
they  amuse  themselves  Avith  doubt.  But  observe  them  on  the  day 
whereon  the  heaven  shall  produce  a  visible  smoke,  which  shall  cover 
mankind:  this  will  be  a  tormenting  plague.  They  shall  say,  O  Lord, 
take  this  plague  from  off  us:  verily  we  will  become  true"  believers. 
How  should  an  admonition  be  of  avail  to  them  in  this  condition ;  when 
a  manifest  apostle  came  unto  them,  but  they  retired  from  him,  say- 
ing. This  man  is  instructed  by  others,  or  is  a  distracted  person?  We 
will  take  the  plague  from  off  you,  a  little :  but  ye  will  certainly  return  to 
your  infidelity.  On  the  day  whereon  we  shall  fiercely  assault  them  with 
great  power,  verily  we  will  take  vengeance  on  them.  We  made  trial 
of  the  people  of  Pharaoh  before  them,  and  an  honourable  messenger 
came  unto  them,  saying,  Send  unto  me  the  servants  of  God;  verily  I 
Am  a  faithful  messenger  unto  you:  and  lift  not  yourselves  up  against 
God :  for  I  come  unto'vou  with  manifest  power.  And  I  fly  for  protec- 
tion unto  my  Lord  ai.'l  your  Lord,  that  ye  stone  me  not.  If  ye  do 
not  believe  me,  at  least  depart  from  me.  And  when  they  accused  him 
of  imposture,  he  called  upon  his  Lord,  saying.  These  are  a  wicked  peo- 
ple. And  God  said  unlo  him,  March  forth  with  my  servants  by  night; 
for  ye  will  be  pursued:  and  leave  the  sea  divided,  that  the  Egyptians 
may  enter  the  same ;  for  they  are  a  host  doomed  to  be  drowned."  How 
many  gardens,  and  fountains,  and  fields  of  corn,  and  fair  dwellings,  and 
advantages  which  they  enjoyed,  did  they  leave  behind  them?  Thus 
we  dispossessed  them  thereof;  and  we  gave  the  same  for  an  inheritauee 


268  AL  KORAN. 

unto  another  people.  Neither  heaven  or  earth  wept  for  them ;  neither 
were  they  respited  any  longer.  And  we  delivered  the  children  of  Israel 
from  a  shameful  affliction;  from  Pharaoh;  for  he  was  haughty,  and  a 
transgressor:  and  we  chose  them,  knowingly,  above  all  people;  and 
we  showed  them  several  signs,  wherein  was  an  evident  trial.  Verily 
these  Meccans  say,  Assured!}"  our  final  end  will  be  no  other  than  our 
first  natural  death ;  neither  shall  we  be  raised  again :  bring  now  our 
forefathers  back  to  life,  if  ye  speak  truth.  Are  they  better,  or  the  peo- 
ple of  Tobba,  and  those  who  were  before  them?  we  destroyed  them, 
because  they  wrought  wickedness.  We  have  not  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  and  whatever  is  between  them,  by  way  of  sport :  we  have 
created  them  no  otherwise  than  in  truth;  but  the  greater  part  of  them 
do  not  understand.  Verily  the  day  of  separation  shall  be  the  appointed 
term  of  them  all;  a  day  whereon  the  master  and  the  servant  shall  be 
of  no  advantage  to  one  another,  neither  shall  they  be  helped;  except- 
ing those  on  whom  God  shall  have  mercy:  for  he  is  the  mighty,  the 
merciful.  Verily  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  al  Zakkum  shall  be  the  food  of 
the  impious:  as  the  dregs  of  oil  shall  it  boil  in  the  bellies  of  the  damned, 
like  the  boiling  of  the  hottest  water.  And  it  shall  be  said  to  the  tor- 
mentors, Take  him,  and  drag  him  into  the  midst  of  hell :  and  pour  on 
his  head  the  torture  of  boiling  waters,  saying,  Taste  this;  forthou  art 
that  mighty  and  honourable  person.  Verily  this  is  the  punishment  of 
which  ye  doubted.  But  the  pious  shall  be  lodged  in  a  place  of  security; 
among  gardens  and  fountains:  the}-  shall  be  clothed  in  fine  silk  and 
in  satin;  and  they  shall  sit  facing  one  another.  Thus  shall  it  be:  and 
we  will  espouse  them  to  fair  damsels,  having  large  black  eyes.  In 
that  place  shall  they  call  for  all  kinds  of  fruits,  in  full  security:  they 
shall  not  taste  death  therein,  after  the  first  death;  and  God  shall  de- 
liver from  the  pains  of  hell:  through  the  gracious  bounty  of  thy  Lord. 
This  will  be  great  felicity.  Moreover  we  have  rendered  the  Koran 
easy  for  thee,  by  revealing  it  in  thine  own  tongue:  to  the  end  that 
they  may  be  admonished:  wherefore  do  thou  wait  the  event;  for  they 
wait  to  see  some  misfortune  befall  thee. 


CHAPTER   XLV. 

ENTITLED,    THE   KNEELING;    REVEALED    AT   MECCA. 
IN  THK  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

H.  M  The  revelation  of  this  book  is  from  the  mighty,  the  wise 
Sod.  Verily  both  in  heaven  and  earth  are  signs  of  the  divine  power 
unto  \iio  true  believers:  and  in  the  creation  of  yourselves,  and  of  the 
beasts  which  are  scattered  over  the  face  of  the  earth,  are  signs  unto 
people  of  sound  judgment;  and  also  in  the  vicissitude  of  night  and 
day,  anl  the  rain  which  God  sendeth  down  from  heaven,  whereby  he 
quickeneth  the  earth  after  it  hath  been  dead:  in  the  change  of  the 
winds  also  are  signs,  unto  people  of  understanding.  These  are  the 
signs  cf  God;  we  rehearse  them  unto  thee  with  truth.  In  what  revela- 
tion therefore  will  they  believe,  after  they  have  rejected  God  and  his 
signs?  Woe  unto  every  lying  and  impious  person ;  who  heareth  the 
signs  of  God,  which  are  read  unto  him,  and  afterwards  proudly  per- 
sisteth  in  infidelity,  as  though  he  heard  them  not  (denounce  unto  him 
a  painful  punishment):  and  who,  when  he  corneth  to  the  knowledge 
of  any  of  our  signs,  receiveth  the  same  with  scorn.  For  these  is  pre- 
pared a  shameful  punishment-  before  them  lieth  hell :  and  whatever 
they  shall  have  gained  shall  not  avail  them  at  all,  neither  shall  the  idols 
which  they  have  taken  for  their  patrons,  besides  God:  and  they  shall 
suffer  a  grievous  punishment.  This  is  a  true  direction:  and  for  those 
who  disbelieve  the  signs  of  their  Lord,  is  prepared  the  punishment  of 
a  painful  torment.  It  is  God  who  hath  subjected  the  sea  unto  you, 
that  the  ships  may  sail  therein,  at  his  command ;  and  that  ye  may  seek 
advantage  unto  yourselves  by  commerce,  of  his  bounty;  and  that  ye 
may  give  thanks:  and  he  obligeth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  on  earth 
to  serve  you;  the  whole  being  from  him.  Verily  herein  are  signs, 
unto  people  who  consider.  Speak  unto  the  true  believers,  that  they  for- 
give those  who  hope  not  for  the  days  of  God,  that  he  may  reward  people 
according  to  what  they  shall  have  wrought.  Whoso  doth  that  which 
is  right  doth  it  to  the  advantage  of  his  own  soul;  and  whoso  doth  evil, 
doth  it  against  the  same:  hereafter  shall  ye  return  unto  your  Lord. 
We  gave  unto  the  children  of  Israel  the  book  of  the  law,  and  wisdom, 
and  prophecy;  and  we  fed  them  with  good  things,  and  preferred  them 
above  all  nations;  and  we  gave  them  plain  ordinances  concerning  the 
business  of  religion;  neither  did  they  fall  to  variance,  except  after  that 
knowledge  had  come  unto  them,  through  envy  amongst  themselves: 
Imt  thy  Lord  will  decide  the  controversy  between  them  on  the  day  of 
resurrection,  concerning  that  whereie  they  disagree.  Afterwards  we 
appointed  thee,  O  Mohammed,  to  promulgate  a  law  concerning  the 


270  AL  KORAN. 

business  of  religion:  wherefore  follow  the  same,  and  follow  not  the 
desires  of  those  who  are  ignorant.  Verily  they  shall  not  avail  thee 
against  God  at  all:  the  unjust  are  the  patrons  of  one  another;  but  God 
is  the  patron  of  the  pious.  This  Koran  delivereth  evident  precepts 
unto  mankind;  and  is  a  direction  and  a  mercy,  unto  people  who  judge 
aright.  Do  the  workers  of  iniquity  imagine  that  we  will  deal  with  them 
as  with  those  who  believe  and  do  good  works;  so  that  their  life  am1 
their  death  shall  be  equal?  An  ill  judgment  do  they  make.  God  hath 
created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in  truth;  that  he  may  recompense 
every  soul  according  to  that  which  it  shall  have  wrought:  and  they 
shall  not  be  treated  unjustly.  What  thinkest  thou?  He  who  taketo 
his  own  lust  for  his  God,  and  whom  God  causeth  knowingly  to  err, 
and  whose  ears  and  whose  heart  he  hath  sealed  up.  and  over  whose  eyes 
he  hath  cast  a  veil;  who  shall  direct  him,  after  God  shall  have  for- 
saken him?  "Will  ye  not  therefore  be  admonished?  They  say,  There 
is  no  other  life,  except  our  present  life :  we  die  and  we  live ;  and  nothing 
but  time  destroyeth  us.  But  they  have  no  knowledge  in  this  matter; 
they  only  follow  a  vain  opinion.  And  when  our  evident  signs  are  le- 
hearsed  unto  them,  their  argument  which  they  offer  against  the  same 
is  no  other  than  that  they  say,  Bring  to  life  our  fathers  who  have  been 
dead;  if  ye  speak  truth.  Say,  God  giveth  you  life;  and  afterwards 
causeth  you  to  die:  hereafter  will  he  assemble  you  together  on  the  day 
of  resurrection;  there  is  no  doubt  thereof;  but  the  greater  part  of  men 
do  not  understand.  Unto  God  appertained!  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
and  earth;  and  the  day  whereon  the  hour  shall  be  fixed,  on  that  day 
shall  those  who  charge  the  Koran  with  vanity  perish.  And  thou  shaft 
see  every  nation  kneeling-  every  nation  shall  be  called  unto  its  book 
of  account ;  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  This  day  shall  ye  be  reward- 
ed according  to  that  whi  ch  ye  have  wrought.  This  our  book  will  speak 
concerning  you  with  truth;*  therein  have  we  written  down  whatever  ye 
have  done.  As  to  those  who  shall  have  believed  and  done  good 
works,  their  Lord  shall  lead  them  into  his  mercy:  this  shall  be  mani- 
fest felicity.  But  as  to  the  infidels,  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,AVer,' 
not  my  signs  rehearsed  unto  you?  but  ye  proudly  rejected  them,  and 
became  a  wicked  people?  And  when  it  was  said  unto  you,  Verily  the 
promise  of  God  is  true;  and  as  to  the  hour  of  judgment,  there  is  uc 
doubt  thereof :  ye  answered,  We  know  not  what  the  hour  of  judgment 
is:  we  hold  an  uncertain  opinion  only;  and  we  are  not  well  assured  of 
this  matter.  But  on  that  day  the  evils  of  that  which  they  have  wrought 
shall  appear  unto  them;  and  that  which  they  mocked  at  shall  encom- 
pass them:  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  This  day  will  we  forget 
you,  as  ye  did  forget  the  meeting  of  this  your  day :  and  your  abode 
shall  be  "hell  fire;  and  ye  shall  have  none  to  deliver  you.  *  This  shall 
ye  sailer,  because  ye  turned  the  signs  of  God  to  ridicule ;  and  the  life 
of  the  world  deceived  you.  On  this  day,  therefore,  they  shall  not  be 
taken  forth  from  thence,  neither  shall  they  be  asked  any  more  to  ren- 
der themselves  well  pleasing  unto  God.  Wherefore  praise  be  unto 


AL  KORAK  271 

God,  the  Lord  of  the  heavens  and  the  Lord  of  the  earth;  the  Lord  of 
all  creatures,  and  unto  him  be  glory  in  heaven  and  earth;  for  he  is 
the  mighty,  the  wise  God! 


CHAPTER  XL VI. 

ENTITLED,   AL  AHKAF;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

(XXVI  )  H.  M.  The  revelation  of  this  book  is  from  the  mighty, 
;he  wise  God.  We  have  not  created  the  heavens,  and  the  earth,  and 
Avhatever  is  between  them,  otherwise  than  in  truth,  and  for  a  deter 
mined  period:  but  tLe  unbelievers  turn  away  from  the  warning  which 
is  given  them.  Say,  What  think  ye?  Show  me  what  part  of  the 
earth  the  idols  which  ye  invoke,  besides  God,  have  created?  Or  had 
they  any  share  in  the  creation  of  the  heavens?  Bring  me  a  book  of 
scripture  revealed  before  this,  or  some  footstep  of  ancient  knowledge, 
to  countenance  your  idolatrous  practices;  if  ye  are  men  of  veracity. 
Who  is  in  a  wider  error  than  he  who  iuvoketh,  besides  God,  that 
which  cannot  return  him  an  answer,  to  the  day  of  resurrection;  and 
idols  which  regard  not  their  calling  on  them:  and  which,  when  men 
shall  be  gathered  together  to  judgment,  will  become  their  enemies, 
and  will  ungratefully  deny  their  worship?  When  our  evident  signs 
are  rehearsed  unto  them,  the  unbelievers  say  of  the  truth,  when  it 
cometh  unto  them,  This  is  a  manifest  piece  of  sorcery.  Will  they 
say,  Mohammed  hath  forged  it?  ,  Answer,  If  I  have  forged  it,  verily 
ye  shall  not  obtain  for  me  any  favour  from  God.  he  well  knoweth  the 
injurious  language  which  ye  utter  concerning  it:  he  is  a  sufficient 
witness  between  me  and  you;  and  he  is  gracious  and  merciful.  Sav, 
I  am  not  singular  among  the  apostles;  neither  do  I  know  what  will 
be  done  with  me  or  with  you  hereafter:  I  follow  no  other  than  what 
is  revealed  unto  me;  neither  am  I  anymore  than  a  public  warner. 
Say,  What  is  your  opinion?  If  this  book  be  from  God,  and  ye  believe 
not  therein ;  and  a  witness  of  the  children  of  Israel  bear  witness  to  its 
consonancy  with  the  law,  and  believeth  therein;  and  ye  proudly 
reject  the  same:  are  ye  not  unjust  doers?  Verily  God  directeth  not 
unjust  people.  But  those  who  believe  not,  say  of  the  true  believers, 
If  the  doctrine  of  the  Koran  had  been  good,  they  had  not  embraced 
the  same  before  us  And  when  they  are  not  guided  thereby,  they  say 
This  is  an  antiquated  lie.  Whereas  the  book  of  Moses  was  revealed 
before  the  Koran,  to  be  a  guide  and  a  mercy:  and  this  is  a  book  con- 
firming the  same,  delivered  in  the  Arabic  tongue:  to  denounce  threats 
unto  those  who  act  unjustly,  and  to  bear  good  tidings  unto  the  right- 
ous  doers.  As  to  those  who  say,  Our  Lord  is  God;  and  who  behave 
upright!}'  on  them  shall  no  fear  come,  neither  shall  they  be  grieved. 
These  shall  be  the  inhabitants  of  paradise,  they  shall  r«main  therein 


273  AL  KORAN. 

for  ever:  in  recompense  for  that  which  they  have  wrought.  We  have 
commanded  man  to  show  kindness  to  his  parents:  his  mother  beareth 
him  in  her  womb  with  pain,  and  bringeth  him  forth  with  pain .  and 
the  space  of  his  being  carried  in  her  womb,  and  of  his  weaning, 
is  thirty  months;  until,  when  he  attaineth  his  age  of  strength,  and 
attaineth  the  age  of  forty  years,  he  saith,  O  Lord,  excite  me,  by  thy 
inspiration,  that  I  may  be  grateful  for  thy  favours,  wherewith  thou 
hast  favoured  me  and  my  parents;  and  that  I  may  work  righteous- 
ness, which  may  please  thee :  and  be  gracious  unto  me  in  my  issue ;  for 
I  am  turned  unto  thee,  and  am  a  Moslem.  These  are  they  from  whom 
we  accept  the  good  work  which  they  have  wrought,  and  whose 
evil  works  we  pass  by;  and  they  shall  be  among  the  inhabitants  of 
paradise:  this  is  a  true  promise,  which  the}'  re  promised  in  this 
world.  He  who  saith  unto  his  parents,  Fie  on  you!  do  ye  promise 
me  that  I  shall  be  taken  forth  from  the  grave,  and  restored  to  life; 
when  many  generations  have  passed  away  before  me,  and  none  of 
them  have  returned  back?  And  his  parents  implore  God's  a-M>t 
ance,  and  say  to  their  son,  Alas  for  thee!  Believe:  for  the  promise  of 
God  is  true.  But  he  answereth,  This  is  no  other  than  silly  fables  of  the 
ancients.  These  are  they  whom  the  sentence  passed  on  the  nations 
which  have  been  before  them,  of  genii  and  of  men,  justly  fitteth:  they 
shall  surely  perish.  For  every  one  is  prepared  a  certain  degree  of 
happiness  or  misery,  according  to  that  which  they  shall  have  wrought, 
that  God  may  recompense  them  for  their  works:  and  they  shall  not  be 
treated  unjustly.  On  a  certain  day,  the  unbelievers  shall  be  exposed 
before  the  fire  of  hell:  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  Ye  received 
your  good  things  in  your  lifetime,  while  ye  were  in  the  world;  and  ye 
enjoyed  yourselves  therein:  wherefore  this  day  ye  shall  be  rewarded 
with  the  "punishment  of  ignominy;  for  that  ye*  behaved  insolently  in 
the  earth,  without  justice,  and  for  that  ye  transgressed.  Remember 
the  brother  of  Ad,  when  he  preached  unto  his  people  in  al  Ahkaf  (and 
there  were  preachers  before  him  and  after  him).  «aying.  Worship  none 
but  God:  verily  I  fear  for  you  the  punishment  of  a  great  day.  They 
answered,  Art  thou  come  unto  us  that  thou  mayest  turn  us  aside  from 
the  worship  of  our  gods?  Bring  on  us  now  the  punishment  with 
which  thou  threatenest  us,  if  thou  art  a  man  of  veracity.  He  said. 
Verily  the  knowledge  of  the  time  when  your  punishment  will  be 
inflicted  is  with  God ;  and  I  only  declare  unto  you  that  which  I  am  cent 
to  preach;  but  I  see  ye  are  an  ignorant  people.  And  when  they  saw 
the  preparation  made  for  their  punishment,  namely,  a  cloud  traversing 
the  sky,  and  tending  towards  their  valleys,  they  said.  This  is  a 
traversing  cloud,  which  bringeth  us  rain.  Hud  answered.  Nay.  it  is 
what  ye  demanded  to  be  hastened:  a  wind  wherein  is  a  seven  VMI 
geance:  it  will  destroy  everything,  at  the  command  of  iis  Lord.  And 
in  the  morning  nothing  was  to  be  seen,  besides  their  emptv  dwilinus 
Thus  do  we  reward  wicked  people.  We  had  established  them  in  the 
like  flourishing:  condition  wherein  we  hav«  established  vou.  O  men  of 


AL  KORAN.  273 

Mecca;  and  we  had  given  them  ears,  and  eyes,  and  hearts:  yet  neither 
their  ears,  nor  their  eyes,  nor  their  hearts  profited  them  at  all, when 
they  rejected  the  signs  of  God ;  but  the  vengeance  which  they  mocked  at 
felf  upon  them.  We  heretofore  destroyed  the  cities  which  were  round 
about  you;  and  we  variously  proposed  our  signs  unto  them,  that  they 
might  "repent.  Did  those  protect  them,  whom  they  took  for  gods, 
besides  God,  and  imagined  to  be  honoured  with  his  familiarity?  Nay; 
they  withdrew  from  them:  yet  this  was  their  false  opinion  which 
seduced  them,  and  the  blasphemy  which  they  had  devised.  Remem- 
ber when  we  caused  certain  of  the  genii  to  turn  aside  unto  the'},  tin* 
they  might  hear  the  Koran :  and  when  they  were  present  at  the  read 
ing  of  the  same,  they  said  to  one  another,  Give  ear:  and  when  it  woa 
ended,  they  returned  back  unto  their  people,  preaching  what  they  had 
iieard.  They  said.  Our  people,  verily  we  have  heard  a  book  read  unto 
us,  which  hath  been  revealed  since  Moses,  confirming  the  scripture 
which  was  delivered  before  it;  and  directing  unto  the  truth  and  the 
right  way.  Our  people,  obey  God's  preacher:  and  believe  in  him; 
that  he  may  forgive  you  your  sins,  and  may  deliver  you  from  a  pain- 
ful punishment.  And  whoever  obeyeth  not  God's  preacher,  shall  by 
no  means  frustrate  God's  vengeance  on  earth,  neither  shall  he  have 
any  protectors  besides  him.  These  will  be  in  a  manifest  error.  Do 
they  not  kno",r  that  God,  who  hath  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth, 
and  was  not  latiguei  with  the  creation  thereof,  is  able  to  raise  the  dead 
to  life?  Yea,  verily,  for  he  is  almighty.  On  a  certain  day  the  unbe- 
lievers shall  be  exposed  unto  hell  fire;  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them, 
Is  not  this  really  come  to  pass?  They  shall  answer,  Yea,  by  our  Lord. 
God  shall  reply,  Taste,  therefore,  the  punishment  of  hell,  for  that  ye 
have  been  unbelievers.  Do  thou,  O  prophet,  bear  the  insults  of  thy 
people  with  patience,  as  our  apostles,  who  were  endued  with  con- 
stancy, bare  the  injuries  of  their  people:  and  require  not  their 
punishment  to  be  hastened  unto  them.  On  the  day  whereon  they 
shall  see  the  punishment  wherewith  they  have  been  threatened,  it 
shall  se?m  as  though  they  had  tarried  in  the  world  but  an  hour  of  a 
day.  This  is  a  fair  warning.  Shall  any  perish  except  the  people 
who  transgress? 


CHAPTER  XLVIL 

ENTITLED,   MOHAMMED;  REVEALED  AT  MEDDU. 
IN  THB  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

GOD  will  render  of  none  effect  the  works  oft  hose  who  believe 
not,  and  who  turn  away  men  from  the  way  of  Godt  but  as  to  thc.>c 
who  believe,  and  work  righteousness,  and  believe  in  the  revelation 
which  hath  bet  n  sent  down  unto  Mohammed  (for  it  is  the  truth  from 
their  Lord),  he  will  expiate  their  evil  deeds  from  them,  and  will 
dispDse  their  heart  aright.  This  will  he  do,  because  those  who  be- 
lieve not  follow  vanity,  and  because  those  who  believe  follow  the 
truth  from  their  Lord.  Thus  God  propoundeth  unto  men  their 
examples.  When  ye  encounter  the  unbelievers,  strike  off  their 
heads,  until  ye  have  made  a  great  slaughter  among  them;  and  bind 
them  in  bonds-  and  either  give  them  a  free  dismission  afterwards,  or 
exact  a  ransom;  until  the  war  shall  have  laid  down  its  arms.  This 
shall  ye  do:  Verily  if  God  pleased,  he  could  take  vengeance  on  them, 
without  your  assistance;  but  he  commandeth  you  to  fight  his  battles, 
that  he  may  prove  the  one  of  you  by  the  other.  And  as  to  those 
who  fight  in  defence  of  God's  true  religion,  God  will  not  suffer  their 
works  to  perish:  he  will  guide  them,  and  wil:  dispose  their  heart 
aright;  and  he  will  lead  them  into  paradise,  of  which  he  hath  told 
them.  O  true  believers,  if  ye  assist  God,  by  fighting  for  his  religion, 
he  will  assist  you  against  your  enemies;  and  will  set  your  feet  fast; 
but  as  for  the  infidels,  let  them  perish;  and  their  works  shall  God 
render  vain.  This  shall  befall  them,  because  they  have  rejected  with 
abhorrence  that  which  God  hath  revealed:  wherefore  their  works 
shall  become  of  no  avail.  Do  they  not  travel  through  the  earth,  and 
see  what  hath  been  the  end  of  those  who  were  before  them  ?  God 
utterly  destroyed  them:  and  the  like  catastrophe  awaiteth  the  un 
believers.  This  shall  come  to  pass,  for  that  God  is  the  patron  of  the 
true  believers,  and  for  that  the  infidels  have  no  protector.  Verily 
God  will  introduce  those  who  believe,  and  do  good  works,  into  gar 
dens  beneath  which  rivers  flow:  but  the  unbelievers  indulge  them- 
selves in  pleasures,  and  eat  as  beasts  eat-  and  their  abode  shall  be 
hell  fire.  How  many  cities  were  more  mighty  in  strength  than  thy 
city  which  hath  expelled  thee;  yet  have  we  destroyed  them  and 
there  was  none  to  help  them  ?  Shall  he,  therefore,  who  followeth 
the  plain  declaration  of  his  Lord,  be  as  he  whose  evil  works  have 
been  dressed  up  for  him  by  the  devil;  and  who  follow  their  own 
lusts  ?  The  description  of  paradise,  which  is  promised  unto  the 
pious  therein  are  rivers  of  incorruptible  water,  and  rivers  of  milk. 


AL  KORAN.  275 

the  taste  whereof  changeth  not;  and  rivers  of  wine,  pleasant  unto 
those  who  drink;  and  rivers  of  clarified  honey:  and  therein  shall 
they  have  plenty  of  all  kinds  of  fruits;  and  pardon  from  their  Lord. 
Shall  the  man  for  whom  these  things  are  prepared,  be  as  he  who 
must  dwell  forever  in  hell  tire;  and  will  have  the  boiling  water  given 
them  to  drink,  which  shall  burst  their  bowels  ?  Of  the  unbelievers 
there  are  some  who  give  ear  unto  thee,  unti4,  when  they  go  out  from 
thee,  they  say,  by  way  of  derision,  unto  those  to  whom  knowledge  hath 
been  given,  What  hath  he  said  now  ?  These  are  they  whose  hearts 
'"rod  hath  sealed  up,  and  who  follow  their  own  lusts:  but  as  to  those 
A  ho  are  directed,  God  will  grant  them  a  more  ample  direction,  and 
ae  will  instruct  them  what  to  avoid.  Do  the  infidels  wait  for  any 
other  than  the  last  hour,  that  it  may  come  upon  them  suddenly  ? 
Some  signs  thereof  are  already  come:  and  when  it  shall  actually, 
overtake  them,  how  can  they  then  receive  admonition  ?  Know, 
therefore,  that  there  is  no  god  but  God:  and  ask  pardon  for  thy  sin, 
and  for  the  true  believers,  both  men  and  women.  God  knoweth 
your  busy  employment  in  the  world,  and  the  place  of  your  abode 
hereafter.  The  true  believers  say,  Hath  not  a  Sura  been  revealed 
commanding  war  against  the  infidels  ?  But  when  a  Sura  without  any 
ambiguity  is  revealed,  and  war  is  mentioned  therein,  thou  mayest  see 
those  in  whose  hearts  is  an  infirmity,  look  towards  thee  with  the  !•  '<. 
of  one  whom  death  overshadoweth.  But  obedience  would  be  more 
eligible  for  them,  and  to  speak  that  which  is  convenient.  And  when 
the^  command  is  firmly  established,  if  they  give  credit  unto  God,  it 
will  be  better  for  them.  Were  ye  ready,  therefore,  if  ye  had  been 
put  in  authority,  to  commit  outrages  in  the  earth,  and  to  violate  your 
ties  of  blood  ?  These  are  they  whom  God  hath  cursed,  and  hath 
rendered  deaf,  and  whose  eyes  he  hath  blinded.  Do  they  not  there- 
fore attentively  meditate  on  the  Koran  ?  Are  there  locks  upon  their 
hearts  ?  Verily  they  who  turn  their  backs,  after  the  true  direction  i8 
made  manifest  unto  them ;  Satan  shall  prepare  their  wickedness  for 
them,  and  God  shall  bear  with  them  for  a  time.  This  shall  befall 
them,  because  they  say  privately  unto  those  who  detest  what  God 
hath  revealed,  We  will  obey  you  in  part  of  the  matter.  But  God 
knoweth  their  secrets.  How  therefore  will  it  be  with  them,  when 
tne  angels  shall  cause  them  to  die,  and  shall  strike  their  faces  and 
their  backs  ?  This  shall  they  suffer,  because  they  follow  that  which 
orovoketh  God  to  wrath,  and  are  averse  to  what  is  well  pleasing  unto 
him:  and  he  will  render  their  works  vain.  Do  they  in  whose;  hearts 
Is  an  infirmity,  imagine  that  God  will  not  bring  their  malice  to  light  ? 
If  we  pleased,  we  could  surely  show  them  unto  thee,  and  thou 
shouldst  know  them  by  their  marks;  but  thou  shall  certainly  krow 
them  by  their  perverse  "pronunciation  of  their  words.  God  knoweth 
your  actions  and  we  will  try  you,  until  we  know  those  among  you 
who  fight  valiantly,  and  who  persevere  with  constancy;  and  we  will 
try  the  reports  of  your  behaviour.  Verily  those  who  believe  not, 


278  Ab 

and  tiirn  away  men  from  the  way  of  God,  and  make  opposition 
against  the  apostle,  after  the  divine  direction  hath  been  manifested 
unto  them,  shall  not  hurt  God  at  all;  but  he  shall  make  their  works 
to  perish.  O  true  believers,  obey  God :  and  obey  the  apostle  and 
render  not  your  works  of  no  effect.  Verily  those  who  believe  not, 
and  who  turn  away  men  from  the  way  of  God,  and  then  die,  being 
unbelievers,  God  will  by  no  means  forgive.  Faint  not,  therefore, 
neither  invite  your  enemies  to  peace,  while  ye  are  the  superior-  for 
God  is  with  you,  and  will  not  defraud  you  of  the  merit  of  your 
works.  Verily  this  present  life  is  only  a  play  and  a  vain  amuse 
ment:  but  if  ye  believe,  and  fear  God,  he  will  give  you  your  it1  wards. 
He  doth  not  require  of  you  your  whole  substance:  if  he  should  re- 
quire the  whole  of  you,  and  earnestly  press  you,  ye  would  become 
niggardly,  and  it  would  raise  your  hatred  against  Ins  apostle.  Be- 
hold, ye  are  those  who  are  invited  to  expend  part  of  your  substance 
for  the  support  of  God's  true  religion;  and  there  are  sonic  of  you  who 
are  niggardly  But  whoever  shall  be  niggardly,  shall  be  niggardly 
towards  his  own  soul  for  God  wanteth  nothing,  but  ye  are  needy. 
and  if  ye  turn  back,  he  will  substitute  another  people  in  your  stead, 
who  shall  not  be  like  unto  you. 


CHAPTER  XLVIIL 

ENTITLED,   THE  VICTORY  ,    REVEALED  AT    MEDINA 
IN    THE    NAME    IF   THE    MOST    MERCIFUL   GOD 

VERILY  we  have  granted  thee  a  manifest  victory:  that  God  may 
forgive  thee  thy  preceding  and  thy  subsequent  sin,  and  may  com- 
plete his  favour  on  thee,  and  direct  thee  in  the  right  way;  and  that 
God  may  assist  thee  with  a  glorious  assistance  It  is  he  who  sendeth 
down  secure  tranquillity  into  the  hearts  of  the  true  believers,  that 
they  may  increase  in  faith,  toyond  their  former  faith  (the  hosts  of 
heaven  and  earth  are  God's,  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise):  that  he 
may  lead  the  true  believers  of  both  sexes  into  gardens  beneath  which 
rivers  flow,  to  dwell  therein  forever  ;  and  may  expiate  their  evil 
deeds  from  them  (this  will  be  great  felicity  with  God)-  and  that  he 
may  punish  the  hypocritical  men,  and  the*  hypocritical  women,  and 
the  idolaters,  and  the  idolatresses,  who  conceive  an  ill  opinion  of 
God.  They  shall  experience  a  turn  of  evil  fortune;  and  God  <halV 
be  angry  with  them,  and  shall  curse  them,  and  hath  prepared 
hell  for  them;  an  ill  journey  shall  it  be  thither  !  Unto  God  belong 
the  hosts  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  God  is  mighty  and  wise  Verily 
we  have  sent  thee  to  be  a  witness,  and  a  bearer  of  good  tidings, 
and  a  denouncer  of  threats,  that  ye  may  believe  in  God  and  his 
apostle;  and  may  assist  him,  and.  revere  him,  and  praise  him 
morning  and  evening.  Verily  they  who  swear  fealty  unto  thee, 


AL  KORAX.  277 

swear  fealty  unto  God  :  the  hand  of  God  is  over  their  hands. 
\Vhoever  shall  violate  his  oath,  will  violate  the  same  to  the  hurt 
on]y  of  his  o\vu  soul:  but  whoever  shall  perform  that  which  he  hath 
covenanted  with  God,  he  will  surely  give  him  a  great  reward.  The 
Arabs  of  the  desert  who  were  left  behind  will  say  unto  thee,  Our 
substance  and  our  families  emplo3red  us,  so  that  we  went  not  forth 
with  thee  to  war;  wherefore  ask  pardon  for  us.  They  speak  that 
with  their  tongues,  which  is  not  in  their  hearts.  Answer,  Who  shall 
be  able  to  obtain  for  you  anything  from  God  to  the  contrary,  if  he  is 
pleased  to  afflict  you,"  or  is  pleased  to  be  gracious  unto  you  ?  Yea 
verily,  God  is  we'll  acquainted  with  that  which  ye  do.  Truly  ye  im- 
agined that  the  apostle  and  the  true  believers  would  never  return  to 
their  families;  and  this  was  prepared  in  your  hearts:  but  ye  imagined 
an  evil  imagination;  and  ye  are  a  corrupt  people.  Whoso  believeth 
not  in  God  and  his  apostle,  verily  we  have  prepared  burning  tire  for 
the  unbelievers.  Unto  God  belongeth  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and 
earth:  he  forgivetli  whom  he  pleaseth,  and  he  punisheth  whom  he 
pleaseth;  and  God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  merciful.  Those  who 
were  left  behind  will  say,  when  ye  go  forth  to  take  the  spoil,  Suffer  us 
to  follow  you.  They  seek  to  change  the  word  of  God.  Say,  Ye 
shall  by  no  means  follow  us :  thus  hath  God  said  heretofore.  They 
will  reply,  Nay :  ye  envy  us  a  share  of  the  booty.  But  they  are  men 
of  amaJ  understanding.  Say  unto  the  Arabs  of  the  desert  who  were 
left  behind,  Ye  shall  be  called  forth  against  a  mighty  and  a  warlike 
nation:  ye  shall  fight  against  them,  or  they  shall  profess  Islam.  If 
ye  obey,  God  will  give  you  a  glorious  reward:  but  if  ye  turn  back, 
as  ye  turned  back  heretofore,  he  will  chastise  you  with  a  grievous 
chastisement.  It  shall  be  no  crime  in  the  blind,  neither  shall  it  be  a 
crime  in  the  lame,  neither  shall  it  be  a  crime  in  the  sick,  if  they  go  not 
forth  to  war:  and  whoso  shall  obey  God  and  his  apostle,  he  shall 
lead  him  into  gardens  beneath  which  rivers  flow;  but  whoso  shall 
turn  back,  he  will  chastise  him  with  a  grievous  chastisement.  Xotf 
God  was  well  pleased  with  the  true  believers,  when  theysware  fidelity 
unto  thee  under  the  tree;  and  he  knew  that  which  was  in  their  hearts. 
wherefore  he  sent  down  on  them  tranquillity  of  mind,  and  rewarded 
them  with  a  speedy  victory,  and  many  spoils  which  they  took  •  for 
God  is  mighty  and  wise.  God  promised  you  many  spoils  which  ye 
should  take;  "but  he  gave  you  these  byway  of  earnest;  a. id  here- 
strained  the  hands  of  men  from  you:  and  the'same  may  be  a  dgu  unto 
the  true  believers;  and  that  he  may  guide  you  into  the  nght  way. 
And  he  also  promiseth  you  other  spoils,  which  ye  have  not  yet  been 
able  to  take-  but  now  hath  God  encompassed  them  for  you;  and  God 
is  almighty.  If  the  unbelieving  Meccans  had  fought  against  you,  verily 
they  had  turned  their  backs,  ar.d  they  would  not  have  found  a  patron 
or  protector:  according  to  the  ordinance  of  God,  which  hath  been  put 
in  execution  heretofore  against  opposers  of  the  propb.aU ,  '/or  thou  shalt 
aot  find  any  change  in  the  ordinance  of  God.  It  was  be  who  restrain.- 


278  AL  KORAN. 

ed  their  hands  from  you,  and  your  hands  from  them,  in  the  valley  of 
Mecca;  after  that  he  had  given  you  the  victory  over  them:  and  God 
saw  that  which  ye  did.  These  are  they  who  believed  not,  and  hindered 
you  from  visiting  the  holy  temple,  and  also  hindered  the  offering,  be- 
ing detained,  that  it  shoufd  not  arrive  at  the  place  where  it  ought  to  be 
sacrificed.  Had  it  not  been  that  ye  might  have  trampled  on  divers 
true  believers,  both  men  and  women,  whom  ye  knew  not,  being  pro- 
miscuously assembled  with  the  infidels,  and  that  a  crime  might  there- 
fore have  lighted  on  you  on  their  account,  without  your  knowedge,  he 
iiad  not  restrained  your  hands  from  them,  but  this  was  done,  that  God 
might  lead  whom  he  pleaseth  into  his  mercy.  If  they  had  been  dis- 
tinguished from  one  another,  we  had  surely  chastised  such  of  them  as 
believed  not,  with  a  severe  chastisement.  When  the  unbelievers  had 
put  in  their  hearts  an  effected  preciseuess,  the  preciseness  of  igno- 
rance, and  God  sent  down  his  tranquillity  on  his  apostle  and  on  the 
true  believers;  and  firmly  fixed  in  them  the  word  of  piety,  and  they 
were  the  most  worthy  of  the  same,  and  the  most  deserving  thereof: 
for  God  knoweth  all  things.  Now  hath  God  in  truth  verified  unto 
his  apostle  the  vision,  wherein  he  said,  Ye  shall  surely  enter  the  holy 
temple  of  Mecca,  if  God  please,  in  full  security;  having  your  heads 
shaved,  and  your  hair  cut:  ye  shall  not  fear:  for  God  knoweth  that 
which  ye  know  not;  and  he  hath  appointed  you,  besides  this,  a  speedy 
victory.  It  is  he  who  hath  sent  his  apostle  with  the  direction,  and 
the  religion  of  truth;  that  he  may  exalt  the  same  above  every  religion: 
and  God  is  a  sufficient  witness  hereof.  Mohammed  is  the  apostle  of 
God:  and  those  who  are  with  him  are  fierce  against  the  unbelievers, 
but  compassionate  towards  one  another.  Thou  mnyest  see  them 
bowing  down,  prostrate,  seeking  a  recompense  from  God,  and  his 
goodwill.  Their  signs  are  in  their  faces,  being  marks  of  frequent 
prostration.  This  is  their  description  in  the  Pentateuch,  and  their 
description  in  the  gospel  >  they  are  as  seed  which  putteth  forth  its 
stalk,  and  strengthened  it,  and  swelleth  in  the  ear,  and  riseth  upon 
its  stem;  giving  delight  unto  the  sower.  Such  are  the  Moslems  de- 
scr.bed  to  be:  that  the  infidels  may  swell  with  indignation  at  them. 
God  hath  p\  omised  unto  such  of  Uianc  as  believe  and  do  good  works, 
->im'Dn  and  a  great  re  war  i 


CHAPTER   XLIX. 

ENTITLED,   THE  INKER  APARTMENTS;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  TRUE  believers,  anticipate  not  any  matter  in  the  sight  of  God 
Mid  his  apostle:  and  fear  God;  for  God  both  heareth  and  knoweth. 
O  true  believers,  raise  not  your  voices  above  the  voice  of  the  prophet; 
neither  speak  loud  unto  him  in  discourse,  as  ye  speak  loud  unto  one 
another,  lest  your  works  become  vain,  and  ye  perceive  it  not. 
Verily  they  who  lower  their  voices  in  the  presence  of  the  apostle  of 
God,  are  those  whose  hearts  God  hath  disposed  unto  piety:  they  shall 
obtain  pardon  and  a  great  reward.  As  to  those  who  call  unto  thee 
from  without  the  inner  apartments;  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not 
understand  the  respect  due  to  thee.  If. they  wait  with  patience,  until 
thou  come  forth  unto  them,  it  will  certainly  be  better  for  them  :  but 
God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  merciful.  O  true  believers,  if  a 
wicked  man  come  unto  you  with  a  tale,  inquire  strictly  into  the  truth 
thereof;  lest  ye  hurt  people  through  ignorance,  and  afterwards  repent 
of  what  ye  have  done:  and  know  that  the  apostle  of  God  is  among 
you:  if  he  should  obey  you  in  many  things,  ye  wonld  certainly  be 
guilty  of  a  crime,  in  leading  him  into  a  mistake.  But  God  hath  made 
the  faith  amiable  unto  you,  and  hath  prepared  the  same  in  your 
hearts;  and  hath  rendered  infidelity,  and  iniquity,  and  disobedience 
hateful  unto  you.  These  are  they  who  walk  in  the  right  way ;  through 
mercy  from  God,  and  grace:  and  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  If  two 
parties  of  the  believers  contend  with  one  another,  do  ye  endeavour  to 
compose  the  matter  between  them:  and  if  the  one  of  them  offer  an 
insult  unto  the  other,  fight  against  that  party  which  offered  the  insult, 
until  they  return  unto  the  judgment  of  God;  and  if  they  do  return, 
make  peace  between  them  with  equity:  and  act  with  justice;  for  God 
loveth  those  who  act  justly.  Verily  the  true  believers  are  brethren: 
wherefore  reconcile  your  brethren ;  and  fear  God,  that  ye  may  obtain 
mercy.  O  true  believers,  let  not  men  laugh  other  men  to  scorn ;  who 
peradventure  may  be  better  than  themselves;  neither  let  women  laugh 
other  women  to  scorn ;  who  may  possibly  be  better  than  themselves. 
Neither  defame  one  another;  nor  call  one  another  by  opprobrious 
appellations.  An  ill  name  it  is  to  be  charged  with  wickedness,  after 
having  embraced  the  faith :  and  whoso  repenteth  not,  they  will  be 
the  unjust  doers.  O  true  believers,  carefully  avoid  entertaining  a 
suspicion  of  another :  for  some  suspicions  are  a  crime.  Inquire  not  too 
curiously  into  other  men's  failings:  neither  let  the  one  of  you  speak 
Ul  of  another  in  his  absence.  Would  anv  at  VQU  desire  to  eat  Uie 


*80  AL  KORAN. 

flesh  of  his  dead  brother?  Surely  ye  would  abhor  it.  And  fear  God 
for  God  is  easy  to  be  reconciled,  and  merciful.  O  men,  verily  we  have 
created  you  of  a  male  and  a  female;  and  we  have  distributed  you  in- 
to nations  and  tribes,  that  ye  might  know  one  another.  Verily  th6 
most  honourable  of  you,  in  the  sight  of  God,  is  the  most  pious  of 
you:  and  God  is  wise  and  knowing.  The  Arabs  of  the  desert  say,  We 
believe.  Answer,  Ye  do  by  no  means  believe;  but  say, We  have  em- 
braced  Islam;  for  the  faith  hath  not  yet  entered  into  your  hearts.  If 
ye  obey  God  and  his  apostle,  he  will  not  defraud  you  of  any  part  of 
the  merit  of  your  works:  for  God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  merciful 
Verily  the  true  believers  are  those  only  who  believe  in  God  and  his 
apostle,  and  afterwards  doubt  not;  and  who  employ  their  substance 
and  their  persons  in  the  defence  of  God's  true  religion:  these  are  they 
who  speak  sincerely.  Say, Will  ye  inform  God  concerning  your  re- 
ligion? But  God  knoweth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  in  earth:  for 
God  is  omniscient.  They  upbraid  thee  that  they  have  embraced  Islam. 
Answer, Upbraid  me  not  with  your  having  embraced  Islam:  rather 
God  upbraideth  you,  that  he  hath  directed  you  to  the  faith ;  if  ye 
speak  sincerely.  Verily  God  knoweth  the  secrets  of  heavt-n  and 
earth:  and  God  beholdeth  that  which  ye  do. 


CHAPTER  L. 

EHTITLED,   K  ;  KEVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

K.  By  the  glorious  Koran ;  verily  they  wonder  that  a  preacher 
from  among  themselves  is  come  unto  them;  and  the  unbelievers  say, 
This  is  a  wonderful  thing:  after  we  shall  be  dead,  and  become  dust, 
shall  we  return  to  life?  This  is  a  return  remote  from  thought 
Now  we  know  what  the  earth  consumeth  of  them;  and  with  us  is  a 
book  which  keepeth  an  account  thereof.  But  they  charge  falsehood 
on  the  truth,  after  it  hath  come  unto  them:  wherefore  they  are 
plunged  in  a  confused  business.  Do  they  not  look  up  to  heaven  above 
them,  and  consider  how  we  have  raised  it  and  adorned  it;  and  that 
there  are  no  flaws  therein?  We  have  also  spread  forth  Hie  earth, 
and  thrown  thereon  mountains  firmly  rooted :  and  we  cause  every 
beautiful  kind  of  vegetables  to  spring  up  therein;  fora  subject  of 
meditation,  and  an  admonition  unto  evey  man  who  turneth  unto  us. 
And  we  send  down  rain  as  a  blessing  frorr  heaven,  whereby  we 
cause  gardens  to  spring  forth,  and  the  gruin  of  harvest,  and  tall 
palm-trees  having  branches  laden  with  dates  hanging  one  above 
another,  as  a  provision  for  mankind ;  and  we  thereby  quicken 
a  dead  country:  so  shall  be  the  coming  lorth  of  the  dead  from  their 
graves.  The  people  of  Noah,  and  those  who  dwelt  at  Al  Ra-ss,  and 
Thainud,  and  Ad,  and  Pharaoh  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture 


AL  KORAN.  281 

before  the  Meccans ;  and  also  the  brethren  of  Lot,  and  the  inhabi- 
tants  of  the  wood  near  Midian,  and  the  people  of  Tobba:  all  these 
accused  the  apostles  of  imposture ;  wherefore  the  judgments  which  I 
threatened  were  justly  inflicted  on  them.  Is  our  power  exhausted 
oy  the  first  creation?  Yea;  they  are  in  a  perplexity,  because  of  a  new 
creation  which  is  foretold  them,  namely,  the  raising  of  the  dead. 
We  created  man,  and  we  know  what  his  soul  whispereth  within  him; 
and  we  are  nearer  unto  him  than  his  jugular  vein.  When  the  two 
angels  deputed  to  take  account  of  a  man's  behaviour,  take  an  account 
thereof;  one  sitting  on  the  right  hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left:  he 
uttereth  not  a  word,  but  there  is  with  him  a  watcher,  ready  to  note 
it.  And  the  agony  of  death  shall  come  in  truth:  this,  O  man,  is 
what  thou  soughtest  to  avoid.  And  the  trumpet  shall  sound :  this 
will  be  the  day  Vhich  hath  been  threatened.  And  every  soul  shall 
come;  and  therewith  shall  be  a  driver  and  a  witness.  And  the 
former  shall  say  unto  the  unbeliever,  Thou  wast  negligent  heretofore 
of  this  day:  but  we  have  removed  thy  veil  from  off  thee;  and  thy 
sight  is  become  piercing  this  day.  And  his  companion  shall  say, 
This  is  what  is  ready  with  me  to  be  attested.  And  God  shall  say, 
Cast  into  hell  every  unbeliever,  and  perverse  person,  and  every  one 
who  forbad  good,  and  every  transgressor,  and  doubter  of  the  faith ; 
who  set  up  another  god  with  the  true  God;  and  cast  him  into  a 
grievous  torment.  His  companion  shall  say,  O  Lord,  I  did  not 
seduce  him;  but  he  was  in  a  wide  error.  God  shall  say,  Wrangle 
not  in  my  presence :  since  I  threatened  you  beforehand  with  the  tor- 
ments which  ye  now  see  prepared  for  you.  The  sentence  is  not 
changed  with  me :  neither  do  I  treat  my  servants  unjustly.  On  that 
day  we  will  say  unto  hell,  Art  thou  full?  and  it  shall  answer,  Is 
there  yet  any  addition?  And  paradise  shall  be  brought  near  unto 
the  pious;  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  This  is  what  ye  have  been 
promised;  unto  every  one  who  turned  himself  unto  God,  and  kept 
his  commandments;  who  feared  the  Merciful  in  secret,  and  came 
unto  him  with  a  converted  heart:  enter  the  same  in  peace:  this  is 
the  day  of  eternity.  Therein  shall  they  have  whatever  they  shall 
di'sirc;  and  there  will  be  a  superabundant  addition  of  bliss  with  us. 
'low  many  generations  have  we  destroyed  before  the  Meccans, 
A-hieh  were  more  mighty  than  they  in  strength?  Pass,  therefore, 
hrough  the  regions  of  the  earth,  and  see  whether  there  be  any 
refuge  from  our  vengeance?  Verily  herein  is  an  admonition  unto  him 
who  hath  a  heart  to  understand,  or  giveth  ear,  and  is  present  with 
an  attentive  mind.  We  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and 
•whatever  is  between  them,  in  six  days;  and  no  weariness  affected  us. 
"Wherefore  patiently  suffer  what  they  say;  and  celebrate  the  praise 
of  the  Lord  before  sunrise,  and  before  sunset,  and  praise  him  in 
some  part  of  the  night:  and  perform  the  additional  parts  of  worship. 
And  hearken  unto  the  day  whereon  the  crier  shall  call  men  to  judg- 
ment from  a  near  place :  the  day  whereon  they  shall  hear  the  voice 


282  AL  KORAX. 

of  the  trumpet  in  truth:  this  will  be  the  day  of  men'.0  coming  forth 
from  their  graves:  we  give  life,  and  we  cause  to  die;  and  uuto  us 
shall  be  the  return  of  all  creatures-,  the  day  whereon  the  earth  shall 
suddenly  cleave  in  sunder  over  them.  This  will  be  an  assembly 
easy  for  us  to  assemble.  We  well  know  what  the  unbelievers  sayt 
and  thou  art  not  sent  to  compel  them  forcibly  to  the  faith.  Where- 
fore warn,  by  the  Koran,  him  who  feareth  my  threatening. 


CHAPTER  LL 

•ENTITLED,  THE  DISPERSING;   REVEALED  Ai1  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  winds  dispersing  and  scattering  the  dust ;  and  by  the  clouua 
bearing  a  load  of  rain;  by  the  ships  running  swiftly  in  the  sea;  and 
by  the  angels  who  distribute  things  necessary  for  the  support  of  all 
creatures:  verily  that  wherewith  ye  are  threatened  is  certainly  true; 
and  the  last  judgment  will  surely  come.  By  the  heaven  furnished 
with  paths;  ye  widely  differ  in  what  ye  say.  He  will  be  turned 
aside  trom  the  faith,  who  shall  be  turned  aside  by  the  divine  decree. 
Cursed  be  the  liars;  who  wade  in  deep  waters  of  ignorance,  neglect- 
ing their  salvation.  They  ask,  When  will  the  day  of  judgment 
come?  On  that  day  shall  they  be  burned  in  hell  fire;  and  it  shall  be 
said  unto  them,  Taste  your  punishment ;  this  is  what  ye  demanded  to 
be  hastened.  But  the  pious  shall  dwell  among  gardens  and  foun- 
tains, receiving  that  which  then*  Lord  shall  give  them;  because 
they  Avere  righteous  doer?  before  this  day.  They  slept  but  a 
small  part  of  the  night;  and  early  in  the  morning  they  asked 
pardon  of  God :  and  a  due  portion  of  their  wealth  was  given  unto 
him  who  asked,  and  unto  him  who  was  forbidden  by  shame  to  ask. 
There  are  signs  of  the  divine  power  and  goodness  in  the  earth,  unto 
men  of  sound  understanding:  and  also  in  your  own  selves:  will  ye 
not  therefore  consider  ?  Your  sustenance  is  in  the  heaven ;  and  also 
that  which  ye  are  promised  "Wherefore  by  the  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth  I  swear  that  this  is  certainly  the  truth;  according  to  what  your- 
selves speak.  Hath  not  the  story  of  Abraham's  honoured  guests 
come  to  thy  knowledge  ?  When  they  went  in  unto  him,  and  said, 
Peace:  he  answered,  Peace;  saying  within  himself,  These  are  un- 
known people,  And  he  went  privately  unto  his  family,  and  brought 
a  fatted  calf.  And  he  set  it  before  them,  and  when  he  saw  they 
touched  it  not,  he  said,  Do  ye  not  eat?  And  he  began  to  entertain  a 
fear  of  them.  They  said,  Fear  not :  and  they  declared  unto  him  the 
promise  of  a  wise  youth.  And  his  wife  drewnear  with  exclamation, 
and  she  smote  her  face,  and  said,  1  ana  an  old  woman,  and  barren. 
The  angels  answered, /Thus  saitn  chy  Lord :  Verily  he  is  the  wise,  the 
knowing.  (XXVII).  And  Abraham  said  uato  them,  What  is  your 


AL  KORAN.  283 

errand,  therefore,  O  messengers  of  God?  They  answered,  Verily 
we  are  sent  unto  a  wicked  people:  that  we  may  send  down  upon 
them  stones  of  baked  clay,  marked  from  thy  Lord,  for  the  de- 
struction of  transgressors.  And  we  brought  forth  the  true  believ- 
ers who  were  in  the  city:  but  we  found  not  therein  more  than 
one  family  of  Moslems.  And  we  overthrew  the  same,  and  left 
a  sign  therein  unto  those  who  dread  the  severe  chastisement  of 
God.  In  Moses  also  was  a  sign:  when  we  sent  him  unto  Pha- 
raoh with  manifest  power.  But  he  turned  back  with  his  princes,  say- 
ing, That  man  is  a  sorcerer  or  a  madman.  Wherefore  we  took 
him  and  his  forces,  and  cast  them  into  the  sea:  and  he  was  one  worthy 
of  reprehension.  And  in  the  tribe  of  Ad  also  was  a  sign:  when  we 
sent  against  them  a  destroying  wind;  it  touched  not  aught,  wheron  it 
came,  but  it  rendered  the  same  as  a  thing  rotten  and  reduced  to  dust. 
In  Thamud  likewise  was  a  sign:  when  it  was  said  unto  them,  Enjoy 
yourselves  for  a  time.  But  they  insolently  transgressed  the  command 
of  their  Lord:  wherefore  a  terrible  noise 'from  heaven  assailed  them, 
while  they  looked  on;  and  they  were  not  able  to  stand  on  their  feet, 
neither  did  they  save  themselves  from  destruction.  And  the  people 
of  Xoah  did  we  destroy  before  these:  for  they  were  a  people  who 
enormously  transgressed.  We  have  built  the  heavi  n  with  might;  and 
we  have  given  it  a  large  extent:  and  we  have  stretched  forth  the 
earth  beneath;  and  how  evenly  have  we  spread  the  same!  And  of 
everything  have  we  created  two  kinds,  that  perad venture  ye  may  con- 
sider. Fly,  therefore,  unto  God ;  verily  I  am  a  public  warner  unto 
you,  from  him.  And  set  not  up  another  god  with  the  true  Goci:  verily  I 
am  a  public  warner  unto  you.  from  him.  In  like  manner  there  came  no 
apostle  unto  their  predecessors,  but  they  said,  This  man  is  a  magician 
or  a  madman.  Have  they  bequeathed  this  behaviour  successively  l!ic- 
one  to  the  other?  Yea;  they  are  a  people  who  enormously  transgress. 
Wherefore  withdraw  from  them ;  and  thou  shalt  not  be  blameworthy  in 
so  doing.  Yet  continue  to  admonish :  for  admonition  profiteth  the  true 
believers.  I  have  not  created  genii  and  men  for  any  other  end  than 
tha'  they  should  serve  me.  I  require  not  any  sustenance  from  them; 
neither  will  I  that  they  feed  ;r,3.  Verily  God  is  \iu  who  provideth  for 
all  creatures;  possessed  of  mighty  power.  Unto  those  who  shall  in- 
jure our  apostle  shall  be  given  a  portion  like  unto  the  portion  of  those 
who  behaved  like  their,  in  times  pa«t ;  and  they  shall  not  wish  the 
same  to  be  lia>te..f-<].  Woe,  therefore,  to  the  unbelievers,  because  cf 
their  day  witu  wnich  they  are  threatened! 


CHAPTER  LIL 

ENTITLED,    THE  MOUNTAIN;     REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 


BY  the  mountain  of  Sinai;  and  by  the  book  written  in 
scroll;  and  by  the  visited  house;  and  by  the  elevated  roof  of  IK.-:,  von: 
and  by  the  swelling  ocean:  verily  the  punishment  of  thy  Lord  v.  ill 
surely  descend;  there  shall  be  none  to  withhold  it.  On  that  day  the 
heaven  shall  be  shaken,  and  shall  reel;  and  the  mountains  shall  walk 
and  pass  away.  And  on  that  day  woe  be  unto  those  who  accused 
God's  apostles  of  imposture  ;  who  amused  themselves  in  wading  in 
vain  disputes!  On  that  day  shall  they  be  driven  and  thrust  into  the 
fire  of  hell;  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them,  This  is  the  fire  which  ye 
denied  as  a  fiction.  Is  this  a  magic  illusion?  Or  do  ye  not  see? 
Enter  the  same  to  be  scorched:  whether  ye  bear  your  torments  pa- 
tiently, or  impatiently,  ft  will  be  equal  unto  you.  ye  shall  surely  re- 
ceive the  reward  of  that  which  ye  have  wrought  But  the  pious  shall 
dwell  amidst  gardens  and  pleasures;  delighting  themselves  in  what 
their  Lord  shall  have  given  them  .  and  their  Lord  shall  deliver  them 
from  the  pains  of  hell.  And  it  shall  be  said  unto  them.  Eat  and  drink 
with  easy  digestion:  because  of  that  which  ye  have  wrought:  leaning 
on  couches  disposed  in  order:  and  we  will  espouse  them  unto  virgins 
having  large  black  eyes.  And  unto  those  who  believe,  and  whose  off- 
spring follow  them  in  the  faith,  we  will  join  their  offspring  in  para- 
dise: and  we  will  not  diminish  unto  them  aught  of  the  merit  of  their 
works.  (Every  man  is  given  in  pledge  for  that  which  he  shall  have 
wrought.)  And  we  will  give  them  fruits  in  abundance,  and  flesh  of 
the  kinds  which  they  shall  desire.  They  shall  present  unio  one  an- 
other therein  a  cup  of  wine,  wherein  there  shall  be  no  vain  discourse, 
nor  any  incitement  unto  wickedness.  And  youths  appointed  to  at 
tend  them,  shall  go  round  them,  beautiful  as  pearls  hidden  in  theii 
shell.  And  they  shall  approach  unto  one  another,  and  shall  ask  mu 
tual  questions.  And  they  shall  say,  Verily  we  were  heretofore  amidst 
our  family,  in  great  dread  with  regard*  to  our  state  after  death;  but 
God  hath  been  gracious  unto  us,  and  hath  delivered  us  from  the  pain 
of  burning  fire:  for  we  called  on  him  heretofore;  and  he  is  the  be- 
neficent, the  merciful.  Wherefore  do  thou,  O  prophet,  admonish  thy 
people.  Thou  art  not,  by  the  grace  of  thy  Lord,  a  soothsayer  or  a 
madman.  Do  they  say,  He  is  a  poet:  we  wait,  concerning  him,  some 
adverse  turn  of  fortune?  Say,  Wait  ye  my  ruin:  verily  I  wait,  with 
you,  the  time  of  your  destruction.  Do  their  mature  understandings 
bid  them  say  this;  or  are  they  people  who  perversely  transgress?  Do 


AL  KORAX.  283 

they  say,  He  hath  forged  the  Korfin?  Verily  they  believe  not.  Let 
them  produce  a  discourse  like  unto  it,  if  they  speak  truth.  Were  they 
created  by  nothing;  or  were  they  the  creators  of  themselves?  Did 
they  create  the  heavens  and  the  earth  ?  Verily  they  are  not  firmly 
persuaded  that  God  hath  created  them.  Are  the  stores  of  thy  Lord 
in  their  hands?  Are  they  the  supreme  dispensers  of  all  things?  Have 
they  a  ladder,  whereby  they  may  ascend  to  heaven,  and  hear  the  dis- 
courses of  angels?  Let  one,  therefore,  who  hath  heard  them,  produce 
an  evident  proof  tWreof.  Hath  God  daughters,  and  have  ye  sons? 
Dost  thou  ask  them  a  reward  for  thy  preaching?  but  they  are  laden 
with  debts.  Are  the  secrets  of  futurity  with  them;  and  do  they 
transcribe  the  same  from  the  table  of  God's  decrees?  Do  they  se«k 
to  lay  a  plot  against  thee?  But  the  unbelievers  are  they  who  shall  be 
circumvented.  Have  they  any  god,  besides  God  ?  Far  be  Go<l  exalted 
above  the  idols  which  they  associate  with  him!  If  they  should  see  a 
fragment  of  the  heaven  falling  down  upon  them,  they  would  say,  It 
is  only  a  thick  cloud.  Wherefore  leave  them,  untif  they  arrive  at 
their  day  wherein  they  shall  swoon  for  fear:  a  day  in  which  their 
subtle  contrivances  shall  not  avail  them  at  all,  neither  shall  they  be 
protected.  And  those  who  act  unjustly  shall  surely  suffer  another 
punishment  besides  this:  but  the  greater  part  of  them  do  not  under- 
stand. And  wait  thou  patiently  the  judgment  of  thy  Lord  concern- 
ing them ;  for  thou  art  in  our  eye :  and  celebrate  the  praise  of  thy 
Lord,  when  thou  risest  up;  and  praise  him  in  the  night  season,  and 
•when  the  stars  begin  to  disappear. 


CHAPTER  LIII. 

ENTTLED,   THE   STAR;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  star,  when  it  setteth ;  your  companion  Mohammed  erreth 
not,  nor  is  he  led  astray:  neither  doth  he  speak  of  his  own  will.  It 
\s  no  other  than  a  revelation,  which  hath  been  revealed  unto  him. 
One  mighty  in  power,  endued  with  understanding,  taught  it  him:  and 
ie  appeared  in  the  highest  part  of  the  horizon.  Afterwards  he  ap 
Broached  the  prophet,  and  drew  near  unto  him;  until  he  was  at  the 
distance  of  two  bows'  length  from  him,  or  yet  nearer:  and  he  revealed 
jnta  his  servant  that  which  he  revealed  The  heart  of  Mohammed  did 
not  falsely  represent  that  which  he  saw.  Will  ye  therefore  dispute 
with  him  concerning  that  which  he  saw?  He  also  saw  him  another 
time,  by  the  lote-tree  beyond  which  there  is  no  passing:  near  it 
is  the  garden  of  eternal  abode.  When  the  lote-tree  covered  that 
which  it  covered,  his  eyesight  turned  not  aside,  neither  did  it 
wander:  and  he  really  beheld  some  of  the  greatest  signs  of  his 
Lord.  What  think  ye  of  Allat.  and  al  Uzza,  and  Manah.  that  >ther 


286  AL  KORAX. 

third  goddess?  Have  ye  ma/e  cmldren,  and  God  female?  This, 
therefore,  is  an  unjust  partition.  They  are  no  other  than  empty 
names,  which  ye  and  your  fathers  have  named  goddesses.  God 
hath  not  revealed  concerning  them  anything  to  authorize  their  wor- 
ship. They  follow  no  other  than  a  vain  opinion,  and  what  their 
souls  desire:  yet  hath  the  true  direction  come  unto  them  from  their 
Lord  Shall  man  have  whatever  he  wisheth  for?  The  life  to  come 
and  the  present  life  are  God's:  and  how  many  angels  soever  there  be 
in  the  heavens,  their  intercession  shall  be  of  no  avail,  until  after  God 
shall  have  granted  permission  unto  whom  he  shall  please  and  shall 
accept.  Verily  they  who  believe  not  in  the  life  to  come  give  unto  the 
angels  a  female  appellation.  But  they  have  no  knowledge  herein: 
they  follow  no  other  than  a  bare  opinion ;  and  a  bare  opinion  attaineth 
not  anything  of  truth.  Wherefore  withdraw  from  him  who  turneth 
away  from  our  admonition,  and  seeketh  only  the  present  life.  This  is 
their  highest  pitch  of  knowledge.  Verily  thy  Lord  well  knoweth  him 
•who  erreth  from  his  way;  and  he  well  knoweth  him  who  is  rightly  di- 
rected. Unto  God  belongeth  whatever  is  in  heaven  and  earth:  that  he 
may  reward  those  who  do  evil,  according  to  that  which  they  shall  have 
wrought :  and  may  reward  those  who  do  well,  with  the  most  excellent 
reward.  As  to  those  who  avoid  gn  at  crimes  and  heinous  sins,  and  are 
guilty  only  of  lighter  faults;  verily  thy  Lord  will  be  extensive  in  mercy 
towards  them  He  well  knew  you  when  he  produced  you  out  of  the 
earth,  and  when  ye  were  embryos  in  your  mothers'  wombs:  wherefore 
justify  not  yourselves:  he  best  knoweth  the  man  who  feareth  him. 
What  thiukest  thou  of  him  who  turneth  aside  from  following  the  truth, 
and  giveth  little,  and  covetously  stoppeth  his  hand?  Is  the  knowl- 
edge of  futurity  with  him,  so  that  he  seeth  the  same?  Hath  he  not 
been  informed  of  that  which  is  contained  in  the  books  of  Moses,  and 
of  Abraham  who  faithfully  performed  his  engagements?  To  wit. 
that  a  burdened  soul  shall  not  bear  the  burden  of  another;  and  that 
nothing  shall  be  imputed  to  a  man  for  righteousness,  except  his  own 
labour;  and  that  his  reward  shall  surely  be  made  manifest  hereafter, 
and  that  he  shall  be  rewarded  for  the  same  with  a  most  abundant 
reward;  and  that  unto  thy  Lord  will  be  the  end  of  all  things;  and 
that  he  causeth  to  laugh,  and  causeth  to  weep;  and  that  he  putteth. 
to  death,  and  giveth  life;  and  that  he  createth  the  two  sexes,  the  male 
and  the  female,  of  seed  when  it  is  emitted ;  and  that  unto  him  appei- 
taineth  another  production,  namely,  the  raising  af  the  dead  again  to 
life  hereafter;  and  that  he  enricheth,  and  causeth  to  acquire  posses- 
sion; and  that  he  is  the  Lord  of  the  dog-star;  and  that  he  destroyed 
the  ancient  tribe  of  Ad  and  Thamud,  and  left  not  any  of  them  alive, 
and  also  the  people  of  Xcah,  before  them;  for  they  Avere  most  unjust 
and  wicked:  and  he  overthrew  the  cities  which  were  turned  upside 
down ;  and  that  which  covered  them,  covered  them.  Which,  there- 
fore, of  thy  Lord's  benefits,  O  man,  wilt  thou  call  in  question?  This 
our  apostle  is  a  preacher  like  the  preachers  who  preceded  him.  The 


AL  KORAN.  287 

approaching  day  of  judgment  draweth  near:  there  is  none  who  can 
reveal  the  exact  time  of  the  same,  besides  God.  Do  ye,  therefore 
wonder  at  this  new  revelation;  and  do  ye  laugh,  ami  not  weep 
spending  your  time  in  idle  diversions?  But  rather  worship  God,  and 
serve  him, 


CHAPTER  LIV. 

ENTITLED,   THE  MOON;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

T  HE  hour  of  judgment  approacheth ;  and  the  moon  hath  been  split 
in  sunder:  but  if  the  unbelievers  see  a  sign,  they  turn  aside,  saying, 
This  is  a  powerful  charm.  And  they  accuse  thee,  O  Mohammed,  of 
imposture,  an'l  follow  their  own  lusts:  but  everything  will  be  im 
tnutably  fixed.  And  now  hath  a  message  come  unto  them,  wherein 
is  a  determent  from  obstinate  infidelity;  the  same  being  consummate 
wisdom:  but  warners  profit  them  not;  wherefore  do  thou  withdraw 
from  them.  The  day  whereon  the  summouer  shall  summon  mankind 
to  an  ungrateful  business,  they  shall  come  forth  from  their  graves 
with  downcast  looks:  numerous  as  locusts  scattered  far  abroad; 
hastening  with  terror  unto  the  summoner.  The  unbelievers  shall 
say,  this  is  a  day  of  distress.  The  people  of  Noah  accused  that 
prophet  of  imposture,  before  thy  people  rejected  thee:  they  accused 
our  servant  of  imposture,  saying,  He  is  a  madmen;  and  he  was  re- 
jected with  reproach.  He  called,  therefore,  upon  his  Lord,  saying, 
Verily,  I  am  overpowered,  wherefore  avenge  me.  So  we  opened 
the  gates  of  heaven  with  water  pouring  down,  and  we  caused  the 
earth  to  break  forth  into  springs;  so  that  the  water  of  heaven  and 
earth  met,  according  to  the  decree  which  had  been  established  And 
we  bare  him  on  a  vessel  composed  of  planks  and  nails;  which  moved 
forward  under  our  eyes:  as  a  recompense  unto  him  who  had  been  un- 
gratefully rejected.  And  we  left  the  said  vessel  for  a  sign,  but  ia 
any  one  warned  thereby?  And  how  severe  was  my  vengeance  and 
my  threatening!  Now  have  we  made  the  Koran  easy  for  admoni 
tion.  but  is  any  one  admonished  thereby?  Ad  charged  their  prophel 
with  imposture:  but  how  severe  was  my  vengeance  and  my  threaten 
Ing!  Verily  we  sent  against  them  a  roaring  wind,  on  a  day  of  con 
tinued  ill  luck:  it  carried  men  away,  as  though  they  had  been  roots 
of  palm-trees  forcibly  torn  up.  And  how  severe  was  my  vengeance 
and  my  threatening!  New  have  we  made  the  KorSn  easy  for  ad 
monition:  but  is  any  one  admonished  thereby?  Thamud  charged  the 
admonitions  Or  their  prophet  with  falsehood,  and  said,  Shall  we  fol- 
low a  single  man  among  us?  verily  we  should  then  be  guilty  of  error 
and  preposterous  madness:  is  the  office  of  admonition  committed 
unto  him  preferably  to  the  rest  of  us?  Nay;  he  is  a  liar  aud  an  iii- 


288  AL  KORAN. 

solent  fellow.  But  God  said  to  Saleh,  To-morrow  shall  they  knotf 
who  is  the  liar  and  the  insolent  person:  for, we  will  surely  send  the 
she-camel  for  a  trial  of  them;  and  do  thou  observe  them,  and  bear 
their  insults  with  patience:  and  prophesy  unto  them  that  the  water 
shall  be  divided  between  them,  and  each  portion  shall  be  sat  down  to 
alternately.  And  they  called  their  companion:  and  he  took  a  sword, 
and  slew  her.  But  how  severe  was  my  vengeance  and  my  threaten- 
ing! For  we  sent  against  them  one  cry  of  the  angel  Gabriel,  and 
they  became  like  the  dry  sticks  used  by  him  who  buildeth  a  fold  for 
cattle.  And  now  have  we  made  the  Koran  easy  for  admonition :  but 
is  any  one  admonished  thereby?  The  people  of  Lot  charged  his 
preaching  with  falsehood:  but  we  sent  against  them  a  wind  driving 
a  shower  of  stones,  which  destroyed  them  all  except  the  family  of 
Lot;  whom  we  delivered  early  in  the  morning,  through  favour  from 
us.  Thus  do  we  reward  those  who  are  thankful.  And  Lot  had 
warned  them  of  our  severity  in  chastising;  but  they  doubted  of  that 
warning  And  they  demanded  his  guests  of  him,  that  they  might 
abuse  them:  but  we  put  out  their  eyes,  saying,  Taste  my  vengeance, 
and  my  threatening.  And  early  in  the  morning  a  lasting  punishment 
surprisea  them.  Taste,  therefore,  my  vengeance,  and  my  threaten- 
ing. Now  have  we  made  the  Koran  easy  for  admonition:  but  is  any 
one  admonished  thereby?  The  warning  of  Moses  also  came  unto 
the  people  of  Pharaoh;  but  they  charged  every  one  of  our  signs  with 
imposture:  wherefore  we  chastised  them  with  a  mighty  and  irresisti- 
ble chastisement.  Are  your  unbelievers,  O  Meccans,  better  than 
these?  Is  immunity  from  punishment  promised  unto  you  in  the 
scriptures?  Do  they  say,  We  are  a  body  of  men  able  to  prevail 
against  our  enemies?  The  multitude  shall  surely  be  put  to  flight, 
and  shall  turn  their  back.  But  the  hour  of  judgment  is  their  threat- 
ened time  of  punishment-  and  that  hour  shall  be  more  grievous  and 
more  bitter  than  their  afflictions  in  this  life.  Veril;  the  wicked  wan- 
der in  error,  and  shall  be  tormented  hereafter  in  bui  aiug  flames.  On 
that  day  they  shall  be  dragged  into  the  fire  on  their  faces;  and  it  shall 
be  said  \into  them,  Taste  ye  the  touch  of  hell.  All  things  have  we 
created  bound  by  a  fixed  decree:  and  our  command  is  no  more  than 
a  single  word,  like  the  twinkling  of  an  eye.  We  have  formerly  de- 
stroyed nations  like  unto  you :  but  is  any  of  you  warned  by  their  ex- 
ample? Everything  which  they  do  is  recorded  in  the  books  kept  by 
the  guardian  angels:  and  every  action,  both  small  and  great,  is  written 
down  in  the  preserved  table.  Moreover  the  pious  shall  dwell  among 
gardens  and  rivers,  ir>  fV>e  assembly  of  truth,  in  the  present  of  a 
most  potent  king. 


CHAPTER  LV. 

.^TITLED,  THE  MERCIFUL;    REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OB1  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  merciful  hath  taught  his  servant  the  Koran.  He  created 
man:  he  hath  taught  him  distinct  speech.  The  sun  and  the  moon 
rim  their  courses  according  to  a  certain  rule:  and  the  veget&Lles 
which  creep  on  the  ground,  and  the  trees  submit  to  his  disposition. 
He  also  raised  the  heaven;  and  he  appointed  the  balance,  that  ye 
should  not  transgress  in  respect  to  the  balance  wherefore  observe  a 
just  weight,  and  diminish  not  the  balance.  And  the  earth  hath  he 
prepared  for  living  creatures:  therein  are  various  fruits,  and  palm- 
trees  bearing  sheaths  of  flowers;  and  grain  having  chaff,  and  leaves. 
"Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny? 
He  created  man  of  dried  clay  like  an  earthen  vessel:  but  he  created 
the  genii  of  fire  clear  from  smoke.  Which,  therefore,  of  your 
Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  He  is  the  Lord  of  the 
east,  and  the  Lord  of  the  west.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's 
benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  He  hath  let  loose  the  two 
ecus,  that  they  meet  each  other:  between  them  is  placed  a  bar 
which  they  cannot  pass.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  bene- 
fits will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  From  them  are  taken  forth  unions 
and  lesser  pearls.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits 
will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  His  also  are  the  ships,  carrying  their 
sails  aloft  in  the  sea,  like  mountains.  Which,  therefore,  of  your 
Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  Every  creature  which 
liveth  on  the  earth  is  subject  to  decay:  but  the  glorious  and 
honourable  countenance  of  thy  Lord  shall  remain  for  ever.  Which, 
therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  Unto 
him  do  all  creatures  which  are  in  heaven  and  earth  make  petition: 
every  day  is  he  employed  in  some  new  work.  Which,  therefore, 
of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  We  will  surely 
attend  to  judge  you,  O  men  and  genii,  at  the  last  day.  Which 
therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  O  ye 
collective  body  of  genii  and  men,  if  ye  be  able  to  pass  out  of  the  con- 
fines of  heaven  and  earth,  pass  forth  ye  shall  not  pass  forth  but  by 
absolute  power.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye 
ungratefully  deny?  A  flame  of  fire  without  smoke,  and  a  smoke 
without  flame  shall  be  sent  down  upon  you:  and  ye  shall  not  be  able 
to  defend  yourselves  therefrom.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's 
benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  And  when  the  heaven  shall  be  rent 
In  sunder,  and  shall  become  red  as  a  rose,  and  shall  melt  like  oint 


290  AL  KORAN. 

ment  (Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully 
deny?)  On  that  day  neither  man  nor  genius  shall  be  asked  concern- 
ing his  sin.  Which,  therefore,  of  ycur  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  un 
gratefully  deny?  The  wicked  shall  be  known  by  their  marks;  and 
they  shall  be  taken  by  the  forelocks  and  the  feet,  and  shall  be  cast 
into  hell.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungrate- 
fully deny?  This  is  hell,  which  the  wicked  deny  as  a  falsehood- 
they  shall  pass  to  and  fro  between  the  same  and  hot  boiling  water 
Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny- 
But  for  him  who  dreadeth  the  tribunal  of  his  Lord,  are  prepared  twf 
gardens.  (Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungrate 
fullydeny?)  Planted  with  shady  trees.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's 
benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  In  each  of  them  shall  be  two 
fountains  flowing.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will 
ye  ungratefully  deny?  In  each  of  them  shall  there  be  of  every  fruit 
twro  kinds.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  un- 
gratefully deny?  They  shall  repose  on  couches,  the  linings  whereof 
shall  be  of  thick  silk  interwoven  with  gold:  and  the  fruit  of  the  two 
gardens  shall  be  near  at  hand  together.  Which,  therefore,  of  your 
Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  Therein  shall  receive  them 
beauteous  damsels,  refraining  their  eyes  from  beholding  any  besides 
their  spouses:  whom  no  man  shall"  have  deflowered  before  them, 
neither  any  genius.  (Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will 
ye  ungratefully  deny?)  Having  complexions  like  rubies  and  pearls. 
Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny? 
Shall  the  reward  of  good  works  beany  other  than  good?  Which, 
therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  And 
besides  these  there  shall  be  two  other  gardens.  (Which,  therefore,  of 
your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefull}-  deny?)  Of  a  dark  green. 
Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny? 
In  each  of  them  shall  be  two  fountains  pouring  forth  plenty  of  water 
Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny? 
In  each  of  them  shall  be  fruits,  and  palm-trees,  and  pomegranate*. 
Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny1 
Therein  shall  be  agreeable  and  beauteous  damsels.  Which,  there 
fore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  decy?  Having  fine 
black  eyes;  and  kept  in  pavilions  from  public  view.  Which,  there- 
fore, of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  uugratefully  deny?  Whom  no 
man  shall  have  deflowered,  before  their  destined  spouses,  nor  any 
genius.  Which,  therefore,  of  your  Lord's  benefits  will  ye  ungrate- 
fully deny?  Therein  shall  they  delight  themselves,  lying  on  green 
cushions  and  beautiful  carpets.  WThich,  therefore,  of  youi  Lord's 
benefits  will  ye  ungratefully  deny?  Blessed  be  the  name  of  thy 
Lord,  possessed  of  glory  and  honour  1 


CHAPTER  LVI. 

ENTITLED,    THE   INEVITABLE;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN   THE  NAME  OF   THE   MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD 

WHEN  the  inevitable  day  of  judgment  shall  suddenly  come,  no  sou.' 
shall  charge  the  prediction  of  its  coming  with  falsehood-  it  v/ili 
.ibase  some,  and  exalt  others.  When  the  earth  shall  be  shaken  with  ;. 
d(,K'iit  shuck,  and  the  mountains  shall  be  dashed  in  pieces,  and  shall 
I  I.T<  line  as  dust  scattered  abroad;  and  yc  shall  be-  separated  into  three 
distinct  classes:  the  companions  of  the  right  hand  (how  happy  shall 
the  companions  of  the  right  hand  be!),  and  the  companions  of  the  left 
hand  (how  miserable  shall  the  companions  of  the  left  hand  be!),  and 
those  who  have  preceded  others  in  the  faith,  shall  precede  them  to 
paradise.  These  are  they  who  shall  approach  near  unto  God:  they 
shall  dwell  in  gardens  of  delight.  (There  shall  be  many  of  the  former 
religions;  and  few  of  the  last.)  Reposing  on  couches  adorned  with 
gold  and  precious  stones;  sitting  opposite  to  one  another  thereon. 
Youths  which  shall  continue  in  their  bloom  for  ever,  shall  go  round 
about  to  attend  them,  with  goblets,  and  beakers,  and  a  cup  of  flow- 
ing wine:  their  heads  shall  not  ache  by  drinking  the  same,  neither 
shall  their  reason  be  disturbed:  and  with  fruits  of  the  sorts  which 
they  shall  choose,  and  the  flesh  of  birds  of  the  kind  which  they  shall 
desire.  And  there  shall  accompany  them  fair  damsels  having  large 
black  eyes;  resembling  pearls  hidden  in  their  shells:  as  a  reward  for 
that  winch  they  shall  have  wrought.  They  shall  not  hear  therein  any 
vain  discourse,  or  any  charge  of  sin;  but  only  the  salutation,  Peace! 
Peace!  And  the  companions  of  the  right  hand  (how  happy  shall  the 
companions  of  the  right  hand  be!)  shall  have  their  abode  among  lote- 
trees  free  from  thorns,  and  trees  of  mauz  loaded  regularly  with  their 
produce  from  top  to  bottom ;  under  an  extended  shade,  near  a  flow- 
ing water,  and  amidst  fruits  in  abundance,  which  shall  not  fail,  nor 
shall  be  forbidden  to  be  gathered:  and  they  shall  respose  themselves 
on  lofty  beds.  Verily  we  have  created  the  damsels  of  paradise  by  j: 
peculiar  creation:  and  we  have  made  them  virgins,  beloved  by  tliei. 
husbands,  of  equal  age  with  them ;  for  the  delight  of  the  com 
panious  of  the  right  hand.  There  shall  be  many  of  the  former  re- 
ligions, and  many  of  the  latter.  And  the  companions  of  the  left 
hand  (how  miserable  snail  the  companions  of  the  left  hand  be!)  shail 
dwell  amidst  burning  winds,  and  scalding  water,  under  the  shade  of 
a  black  smoke,  neither  cool  nor  agreeable.  For  they  enjoyed  the 
pleasures  of  life  before  this,  while  on  earth;  and  obstinately  persisted 
in  a  heinous  wickedness:  and  they  said,  After  we  shall  have  died, 
and  become  dust  and  bones,  shall  we  sureljr  be  raised  to  life?  Shall 


293  AL  KORAN. 

our  forefathers  also  be  raised  with  us?  Say,  Verify  both  the  first  and 
the  last  shall  surely  be  gathered  together  to  judgment,  at  the  prefixed 
time  of  a  known  day.  Then  ye,  O  men,  who  have  erred,  and  denied 
the  resurrection  as  a  falsehood,  shall  surely  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the 
tree  of  al  Zakkum,  and  shall  fill  your  bellies  therewith:  and  ye  shall 
drink  thereon  boiling  water;  and  ye  shall  drink  as  a  thirsty  camel 
driuketh.  This  shall  be  their  entertainment  on  the  da}- of  judgment. 
We  have  created  you.  will  ye  not  therefore  believe  that  we  can  raise 
you  from  the  dead?  What  think  ye?  The  seed  which  ye  emit,  do  ye 
create  the  same,  or  are  we  the  creators  thereof?  We  have  decreed 
death  unto  you  all:  and  we  shall  not  be  prevented.  \Ve  are  able  to 
substitute  others  like  unto  you  in  your  stead,  and  to  produce  you 
again  in  the  condition  or  form  which  ye  know  not.  Ye  know  the 
original  production  by  creation;  will  ye  not  therefore  consider  that 
we  are  able  to  reproduce  you  by  resuscitation?  "What  think  ye?  The 
grain  which  ye  sow,  do  ye  cause  the  same  to  spring  forth,  or  do  we 
cause  it  to  spring  forth?  If  we  pleased,  verily  we  could  render  the 
si. me  dry  and  fruitless,  so  that  ye  would  not  cease  to  wonder,  saying, 
Verily  we  have  contracted  debts  for  seed  and  labour:  but  we  arc  not 
permitted  to  reap  the  fruit  thereof.  What  think  yc?  The  waU  r  which 
ye  drink,  do  ye  send  down  the  same  from  the  clouds,  or  are  we  the 
senders  thereof?  If  we  pleased,  we  could  render  the  same  b'ackish. 
Will  ye  not  therefore  give  thanks?  What  think  ye?  The  fire  which 
ye  strike,  do  ye  produce  the  tree  whence  ye  obtain  the  same,  or  are 
we  the  producers  thereof?  We  have  ordained  the  same  for  an  ad 
monition,  and  an  advantage  unto  those  who  travel  through  the 
deserts.  Wherefore  praise  the  name  of  thy  Lord,  the  great  God. 
Moreover  I  swear  by  the  setting  of  the  stars  (and  it  is  surely  a  great 
oath,  if  ye  knew  it);  that  this  is  the  excellent  Koran,  the  original 
whereof  is  written  in  the  preserved  book:  none  shall  touch  the  same. 
except  those  who  are  clean.  It  is  a  revelation  from  the  Lord  of  all 
creatures.  Will  ye,  therefore,  depise  this  new  revelation?  And  do 
ye  make  this  return  for  your  food  which  ye  receive  from  God,  that 
ye  deny  yourselves  to  be  obliged  to  bin/for  the  same?  When  the 
soul  of  a  dying  person  comeih  up  to  his  throat,  and  ye  at  the  same 
time  are  looking  on  (and  we  are  nigher  unto  him  than  ye,  but  ye  see 
not  his  true  condition):  would  ye  not,  if  ye  are  not  to  be  rewarded 
for  your  actions  hereafter,  cause  the  same  to  return  into  the  body,  if 
ye  speak  truth?  And  whether  he  be  of  those  who  shall  approach 
near  unto  God,  his  reward  shall  be  rest,  and  mercy,  and  a  garden  of 
delights:  or  whether  he  be  of  the  companions  of  the  right  hand,  he 
shall  be  saluted  with  the  salutation.  Peace  be  unto  thee!  by  the  coin 
pauions  of  the  right  hand  his  brethren:  or  whether  he  be  of  thosr 
who  have  rejected  the  true  faith,  and  gone  astray,  his  entertainment 
shall  consist  of  boiling  water,  and  the  burning  of  hell  fire.  Verily 
this  is  a  certain  truth.  Wherefore  praise  the  name  of  thy  Lord,  the 
great  God. 


CHAPTER  LVTL 

ESTTTLED,   IRON;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA,  OR  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME   OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHATEVER  is  in  heaven  and  earth  singeth  praise  unto  God;  anc 
he  is  mighty  and  wise.  His  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth;  lu~ 
giveth  life,  and  he  putteth  to  death;  and  he  is  almighty.  He  is  the 
first  and  the  last;  the  manifest  and  the  hidden:  and  he  knoweth  ail 
things.  It  is  he  who  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  in  six  days, 
andlhen  ascended  his  throne.  He  knoweth  that  which  eutereth  into 
the  earth,  and  that  which  issueth  out  of  the  same;  and  that  which 
iii-scendetli  from  heaven,  and  that  which  ascendeth  thereto:  and  he 
is  with  you  wheresoever  ye  be:  for  God  seeth  that  which  ye  do.  His 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  and  earth;  and  unto  God  shall  all  things 
return.  He  causeth  the  night  to  succeed  the  day,  and  he  causeth  the 
day  to  succeed  the  night ;  and  he  knoweth  the  innermost  part  of  men's 
breasts.  Believe  in  God  and  his  apostle,  and  lay  out  in  alms  a  part  of 
the  wealth  whereof  God  hath  made  you  inheritors:  for  unto  such  of 
you  as  believe,  and  bestow  alms,  shall  be  given  a  great  reward.  And 
what  aileth  you,  that  ye  believe  not  in  God,  when  the  apostle  inviteth 
you  to  believe  in  your  Lord;  and  he  hath  received  your  covenant 
concerning  this  matter,  if  ye  believe  any  proposition?  It  is  he  who 
hath  sent  down  unto  his  servant  evident  signs,  that  he  may  lead  you 
out  of  darkm  ss  into  light;  for  God  is  compassionate  and  merciful 
uuto  you.  And  what  aileth  you,  that  ye  contribute  not  of  your  sub 
stance  for  the  defence  of  God's  true  religion?  Since  unto  God  ap- 
pertaineth  the  inheritance  of  heaven  and  earth.  Those  among  you 
who  shall  have  contributed  and  fought  in  defence  of  the  faith,  be- 
fore the  taking  of  Mecca,  shall  not  be  helti  equal  with  those  who  shall 
contribute  and  right  for  the  same  afterwards.  These  shall  be  superior 
in  (ii-'jrre  unto  those  who  shall  contribute  and  tight  for  the  prop  i-a 
i  in  of  the  faith  after  the  above-mentioned  success  but  unto  all  hath 
Qod  promised  a  most  excellent  reward,  and  God  well  knoweth  that 
winch  ye  do.  Who  is  he  that  will  lend  unto  God  an  acceptable  loan? 
for  he  will  double  the  same  unto  him,  and  lie  shall  receive  moreover 
an  honourable  reward.  On  a  certain  day,  thou  shall  see  the  true  be 
lievers  of  both  sexes  their  light  shall  run  before  them,  and  on  their 
right  hands;  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them.  Good  tidings  unto  you 
this  day:  gardens  through  which  rivers  flow;  ye  shall  remain  there- 
in for  ever.  This  will  be  great  felicity.  On  that  day  the  hypo 
critical  men  and  the  hypocritical  women  shall  say  unto  those  who 
believe,  Stay  for  us,  that  we  may  borrow  some  of  your  light.  It 


294  AL  KORAN. 

shall  be  answered,  Return  back  into  the  world,  and  seek  light.  And 
a  high  wall  shall  be  set  betwixt  them,  wherein  shall  be  a  gate,  with- 
in which  shall  be  mercy;  and  without  it,  over  against  the  same,  the 
torment  of  hell.  The  hypocrites  shall  call  out  unto  the  true  be- 
lievers, saying,  Were  we  not  with  you?  They  shall  answer,  Yea; 
but  ye  seduced  your  own  souls  by  your  hypocrisy :  and  ye  waited  our 
ruin ;  and  ye  doubted  concerning  the  faith ;  and  your  wishes  deceived 
you,  until  the  decree  of  God  came,  and  ye  died ;  and  the  deceiver 
deceived  you  concerning  God.  This  day,  therefore,  a  ransom  shall 
not  be  accepted  of  you,  nor  of  those  who  have  been  \m believers.  Your 
abode  shall  be  nell  tire:  this  is  what  ye  have  deserved;  and  an  un- 
happy journey  shall  it  be  thither!  Is*  not  the  time  yet  come  unto 
those  who  believe,  that  their  hearts  should  humbly  submit  to  the  ad- 
monition of  God,  and  to  that  truth  which  hath  been  revealed;  and 
that  they  be  not  as  those  unto  whom  the  scripture  was  given  hereto- 
fore, and  to  whom  the  time  of  forbearance  was  prolonged,  but  their 
hearts  were  hardened,  and  many  of  them  were  wicked  doers?  Know 
that  God  quickeneth  the  earth,  after  it  Lath  been  dead.  Now  have  we 
distinctly  declared  our  signs  unto  you,  that  ye  may  understand.  Verily 
as  to  the'ahnsgivers,  both  men  and  women*  and  those  who  lend  unto 
God  an  acceptable  loan,  he  will  double  the  same  unto  tlum;  and  they 
shall  moreover  receive  an  honourable  reward.  And  they  who  believe 
in  God  and  his  apostles,  these  are  the  men  of  veracity,  and  the  wit- 
nesses in  the  presence  of  their  Lord:  tLey  shall  have  their  reward 
and  their  light.  But  as  to  those  who  believe  not,  and  accuse  our  signs 
of  falsehood,  they  shall  be  the  companions  of  hell.  Know  that  this 
present  life  is  only  a  toy  and  a  vain  siiriusenxnt:  and  worldly  pomp, 
and  the  affectation  of  glory  among  you,  and  the  multiplying  of  riches 
and  children,  areas  the  plants  nourished  by  the  rain,  the  springing  up 
whereof  delighteth  the  husbancman;  alteiwaidsthey  \\itlitr,  so  that 
thou  seest  the  same  turn  yellow,  and  at  length  they  become  diy  stub- 
bie. And  in  the  life  to  come  will  be  a  sevoe  ]  unisLn.ent  for  those 
who  covet  worldly  £iaudeoir;  and  pardon  frcm  Gcd,  and  favour  for 
those  who  renoun  e  it:  for  this  present  life  is  no  ether  than  a  deceit- 
ful provision.  Hasten  with  emulation  to  obtain  pardon  Inmjcur 
Lord,  and  paradise,  the  extent  whereof  equalleth  the  extent  cl  1  c.\;n 
and  earth,  prepared  for  tl.ose  who  lelieve  in  Gcd  and  Li>  :]otks. 
This  is  the  bounty  of  G<  d ;  he  w  ill  give  the  stire  unto  who  m  l.e  pleas- 
eth;  and  God  is  endued  with  gieat  lounty.  >~o  accident  La]  j  ei:cth 
m  the  earth,  tor  in  ycur  peucns,  l,ut  the  >;  n  e  w;  s  entered  in  the 
book  of  our  decrees,  before  we  crested  it:  Atiily  this  is  uii-y  with 
God:  and  this  is  written  lest  \e  in  n  <  ("(lately  giieve  for  the  good 
which  escapeth  you,  or  rejoice  lor  il  ;;t  which  happeneth  unto  \ou; 
t'or  God  loveth  no  proud  or  vain-gloiious  person,  or  those  who  are 
covetous,  and  command  n.en  co\eiousness  And  whoso  tuineth 
aside  from  giving  alms;  veiily  Gcd  is  self  sufficient,  worthy  to  be 
praised.  We  formerly  sent  our  apostles  w  ith  evident  miracles  and 


AL  KORAN.  295 

arguments,  and  we  sent  down  with  them  the  scriptures  and  the  bal- 
ance, that  men  might  observe  justice;  and  we  sent  down  iron,  wherein 
is  mighty  strength  for  war,  and  various  advantages  unto  mankind- 
that  God  may  know  who  assisteth  him  and  his  apostles  in  secret;  for 
God  is  strong  and  mighty.  We  formerly  sent  Noah  and  Abraham, 
and  we  established  in  their  posterity  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  the 
scripture:  and  of  them  some  were  directed,  but  many  of  them  were 
evil-doers.  Afterwards  we  caused  our  apostles  to  succeed  in  their 
Jootsteps ;  and  we  caused  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  to  succeed  them,  and 
we  gave  him  the  gospel .  and  we  put  in  the  hearts  of  those  who  fol- 
'owed  him,  compassion  and  mercy  but  as  to  the  monastic  state,  they 
instituted  the  same  (we  did  not  prescribe  it  to  them)  only  out  of  a 
ck-sire  to  please  God;  yet  they  observed  not  the  same  as  it  ought 
truly  to  be  observed.  And  we  gave  unto  such  of  them  as  believed, 
their  reward:  but  many  of  them  were  wicked  doers.  O  ye  who  be- 
lieve in  the  former  prophets,  fear  God,  and  believe  in  his  apostle 
Mohammed:  he  will  give  you  two  portions  of  his  mercy,  and  he  will 
ordain  you  a  light  wherein  ye  may  walk,  and  he  will  forgive  you,  for 
God  is  ready  to  forgive  and  merciful :  that  those  who  have  received 
the  scriptures  may  know  that  they  have  not  power  over  any  of  the 
favours  of  God,  and  that  good  is  in  the  hand  of  God;  he  bestoweth 
the  same  on  whom  he  pleaseth,  for  God  is  endued  with  great  benefi- 
cence. 


ENTITLED,    SHE  WHO  DISPUTED;  REVEALED   AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME   OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  ODD. 

(XXVIII.)  Now  hath  God  heard  the  speech  of  her  who  disputed 
with  thee  concerning  her  husband,  and  made  her  complaint  unto 
God,  and  God  hath  heard  your  mutual  discourse;  for  God  both 
heareth  and  seeth  As  to  those  among  you  who  divorce  their 
wives  by  declaring  that  they  will  thereafter  regard  them  as  their 
mothers,  let  them  know  that  they  are  not  their  mothers.  They 
only  are  their  mothers  who  brought  them  forth;  and  they  certainly 
utter  an  unjustifiable  saying,  and  a  falsehood-  but  God  is  gracious 
and  ready  to  forgive  Those  who  divorce  their  wives  by  declaring 
that  they  will  for  the  future  regard  them  as  their  mothers,  and 
afterwards  would  repair  what  they  have  said,  shall  be  obliged  to  free 
a  captive,  before  they  touch  one  another.  This  is  what  ye  are  warn- 
ed  to  perform-  and  God  is  well  apprised  of  that  which  ye  do. 
And  whoso  findeth  not  a  cajrtive  to  redeem,  shall  observe  a  fast 
of  two  consecutive  months,  before  the}'  touch  one  another.  And 
whoso  shall  not  be  able  to  fast  that  time,  shall  feed  threescore 
poor  men  This  is  ordained  you,  that  ye  may  believe  in  God 


296  AL  KORAN. 

and  his  apostle      These   are  the  statutes  of  God:  and  for  the  im 
believers  is  prepared  a   grievous  torment.     Verily  those  who  oj  -pose 
God  and  his  apostle,  shall  be  brought  low,  as  the  unbelievers  who 
preceded  them  were  brought  low.     And  now  have  we  sent  down 
manifest  signs-  and  an  ignominious  punishment  awaiteth  the  unbe- 
lievers.    On  a  certain  day  God  shall  raise  them  all  to  life,  and  shall 
declare  unto  them  that  which  they  have  wrought.     God  hath  taken 
an  exact  account  thereof;  but  they  have  forgotten  the  same:  and  G(  d 
is  witness  over  all  things.     Dost  thou  not  perceave  that  God  knoweth 
whatever  is  in  heaven  and  in  earth?    There  is  no  private  discourse 
among  three  persons,  but  he  is  the  fourth  of  them;  nor  among  five, 
but  he  is  the  sixth  of  them;  neither  among  a  smaller  number  than 
this,  nor  a  larger,  but  he  is  with  them,  wheresoever  they  be:  acd  he 
will  declare  unto  them  that  which  they  have  done,  on  the  day  of 
resurrection ;  for  God  knoweth  all  things.     Hast  thou  not  obsen  ed 
those  who  have  been  forbidden  to   use  clandestine  discourse,   but 
afterwards  return  to  what  they  have  been  forbidden,  and  discourse 
privily  among  themselves  of  wickedness,  and  enmity,  and  disobedi- 
ence towards  the  apostle?     And  when  they  come  unto  thee,  they 
salute  thee  with  that  form  of  salutation  wherewith  God  doth  not 
salute  thee-  and  they  say  among  themselves,  byway  of  derision, 
Would  not  God  punish  us  for  what  we  say,  if  this  man  were  a  proph- 
et?   Hell  shall  be  their  sufficient  punishment:  they  shall  go  down 
into  the  same  to  be  burned;  and  an  unhappy  journey  shall  it  be!    O 
true  believers,  when  ye  discourse  privily  together,  discourse  not  of 
wickedness,  and  enmity,  and  disobedience  towards  the  apostle ;  but 
discourse  of  justice  and  piety:  and  fear  God,  before  whom  ye  shall 
be  assembled.     Verily  the  clandestine  discourse  of  the  infidels  pro- 
ceedeth  from  Satan,  that  he  may  grieve  the  true  believers:  but  there 
shall  be  none  to  hurt  them  in  the  least,  unless  by  the  permission  of 
God;  wherefore  in  God  let  the  faithful  trust.     O  true  believers,  when 
it  is  said  unto  you,  Make  room  in  the  assembly ;  make  room :  God 
will  grant  you  ample  room  in  paradise.     And  when  it  is  said  unto 
you,  Bise  -up;  rise  up:  God  will  raise  those  of  you  who  believe,  and 
those  to  whom  knowledge  is  given,  to  superior  degrees  of  honour 
and  God  is  fully  apprised  of  that  which  ye  do.     O  true  believers, 
when  ye  go  to  speak  with  the  apostle,  give  alms  previously  to  your 
discoursing  with  him:  this  will  be  better  for  you  and  more  v-rre. 
But  if  ye  find  not  what  to  give,  verily  God  will  be  gracious  and 
merciful  unto  you.     Do  ye  fear  to  give  alms  previously  to  youi  dis- 
coursing with  the  prophet,   lest  ye  should  impoverish  yourselves? 
Therefore  if  ye  do  it  not,  and  God  is  gracious  unto  you,  by  dispens- 
ing with  the  said  precept  for  the  future,  be  constant  at  prayer,  and 
pay  the  legal  alms;  and  obey  God  and  his  apostle  in  all  other  matters 
for  God  well  knoweth  that  which  ye  do.     Hast  thou  not  observed  th;  >se 
who  have  taken  for  their  friends  a  people  against  whom  God  is  in- 
Censed?    They  are  neither  of  you  nor  of  them:  and  thev  swear  to  a 


AL  KORAN.  297 

lie  knowingly.  God  hath  prepared  for  them  a  grievous  punishment; 
!'.>!•  it  is  evil  which  they  do.  They  have  taken  their  oaths  for  a  cloak, 

;isd  they  have  turned 'men  aside  from  the  way  of  God:  wherefore  a 
-  uimei'u!  punishment  awaiteth  them;  neither  their  wealth  nor  their 

iiiklren  shall  avail  them  at  all  against  God.  These  shall  be  the  in- 
habitants of  hell  fire;  they  shall  abide  therein  for  ever.  On  a  certain 
day  God  shall  raise  them  all:  then  will  they  swear  unto  him,  as  they 
swear  now  unto  you,  imagining  that  it  will  be  of  service  to  them. 
Are  they  not  liars?  Satan  hath  prevailed  against  them,  and  hath 
caused  them  to  forget  the  remembrance  of  God.  These  are  the  party 
of  the  devil ;  and  shall  not  the  party  of  the  devil  be  doomed  to  per- 
dition? Verily  they  who  oppose  God  and  his  apostle,  shall  be  placed 
among  the  most  vile.  God  hath  written,  Verily  I  will  prevail,  and 
my  apostles :  for  God  is  strong  and  mighty.  Thou  shalt  not  find 
people  who  believe  in  God  and  the  last  day,  to  love  him  who  opposeth 
God  and  his  apostle;  although  they  be  their  fathers,  or  their  sons,  or 
their  brethren,  or  their  nearest  relations.  In  the  hearts  of  these  hath 
God  written  faith;  and  he  hath  strengthened  them  Avith  his  spirit, 
and  he  will  lead  them  into  gardens,  beneath  which  rivers  flow,  to  re- 
main therein  for  ever.  God  is  well  pleased  in  them,  and  they  are 
well  pleased  in  him.  These  are  the  party  of  God :  and  shall  not  the 
party  of  God  prosper? 


CHAPTER  LIX. 

ENTITLED,    THE  EMIGRATION;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA, 
nf  THE  XAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHATEVER  is  in  heaven  and  earth  celebrateth  the  praise  of  God. 
and  he  is  the  mighty,  the  wise.  It  was  he  who  caused  those  who 
believed  not,  of  the  people  who  receive  the  scripture,  to  depart  from 
their  habitations  at  the  first  emigration.  Ye  did  not  think  that  they 
would  go  forth:  and  they  thought  that  their  fortresses  would  protect 
them  against  God.  But  the  chastisement  of  God  came  upon  them, 
from  whence  they  did  not  expect;  and  he  cast  terror  into  their  hearts. 
They  pulled  down  their  houses  writh  their  own  hands,  and  the  hand* 
of  the  true  believers.  Wherefore  take  example  from  them,  O  ye  who 
have  eyes.  And  if  God  had  not  doomed  them  to  banishment,  he  had 
surely  punished  them  in  this  world;  and  in  the  world  to  come  they 
shall  suffer  the  torment  of  hell  fire.  This  because  they  opposed  God 
and  his  apostle:  and  whoso  opposeth  God,  verily  God  will  be  severe 
in  punishing  him.  What  palm-trees  ye  cut  down,  or  left  standing 
on  their  roots,  were  so  cut  down  or  left  by  the  will  of  God;  and  thai 
he  might  disgrace  the  wicked  doers.  And  as  to  the  spoils  of  thes* 
people  which  God  hath  granted  wholly  to  his  apostle,  ye  did  not  push 
forward  any  horses  or  camels  against  the  same ;  but  God  giveth  unto 


298  AL  KORAN. 

his  apostles  dominion  over  whom  hepleaseth:  for  God  is  almighty. 
The  spoils  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  which  God  hath  granted 
to  his  apostle,  are  due  unto  God  and  to  the  apostle,  and  him  who  is 
of  kin  to  the  apostle,  and  the  orphans,  and  the  poor,  and  the  traveller; 
that  they  may  not  be  for  ever  divided  in  a  circle  among  such  of  you 
as  are  rich.  What  the  apostle  shall  give  you,  that  accept;  and  what 
he  shall  forbid  you,  that  abstain  from:  and  fear  God;  for  God  is 
severe  in  chastising.  A  part  also  belongeth  to  the  poor  Mohajerin, 
who  have  been  dispossessed  of  their  houses  and  their  substance,  seek- 
ing favour  from  God,  and  his  goodwill,  and  assisting  God  and  his 
apostle.  These  are  the  men  of  veracity.  And  they  who  quietly 
possessed  the  town  of  Medina,  and  professed  the  faith  without  moles- 
tation, before  them,  love  him  who  hath  fled  unto  them,  and  find  in 
their  breasts  no  want  of  that  which  is  given  the  Mohajerin,  but  pre- 
fer them  before  themselves,  although  there  be  indigence  among  them. 
And  whoso  is  preserved  from  the  covetousness  of  his  own  soul,  those 
shall  surely  prosper.  And  they  who  have  come  after  them  say,  O 
Lord,  forgive  us  and  our  brethren  who  have  preceded  us  in  the  faith, 
and  put  not  into  our  hearts  ill-will  against  those  who  have  believed: 
O  Lord,  verily  thou  art  compassionate  and  merciful.  Hast  thou  not 
observed  them  who  play  the  hypocrites?  They  say  unto  their  breth- 
ren who  believe  not,  of  those  who  have  received  the  scriptures,  Verily 
if  ye  be  expelled  your  habitations,  we  will  surely  go  forth  with  you; 
and  we  will  not  pay  obedience,  in  your  respect,  unto  any  one  for 
ever:  and  if  ye  be  attacked,  we  will  certainly  assist  you.  But  God 
is  witness  that  they  are  liars.  Verily  if  they  be  expelled,  they  will 
not  go  forth  with  them;  and  if  they  be  attacked,  they  will  not  assist 
them;  and  if  they  do  not  assist  them,  they  will  surely  turn  their 
backs :  and  they  shall  not  be  protected.  Verily  ye  are  stronger  than 
they,  by  reason  of  the  terror  cast  into  their  breasts  from  God.  This, 
because  they  are  not  people  of  prudence.  They  will  not  fight  against 
you  in  a  body,  except  in  fenced  towns,  or  from  behind  walls.  Their 
strength  in  war  among  themselves  is  great:  thou  thiukest  them  to  be 
united;  but  their  hearts  are  divided.  This,  because  they  are  people 
who  do  not  understand.  Like  those  who  lately  preceded  them,  they 
have  tasted  the  evil  consequence  of  their  deed;  and  a  painful  tor- 
ment is  prepared  for  them  hereafter.  Thus  have  the  hypocrites  de- 
ceived the  Jews:  like  the  devil,  when  he  saith  unto  a  man,  Be  thou 
an  infidel ;  and  when  he  is  become  an  infidel,  he  saith,  Verily  I  am  clear 
of  thee;  for  I  fear  God,  the  Lord  of  all  creatures.  Wherefore  the 
end  of  them  both  shall  be  that  they  shall  dwell  in  hell  fire,  abiding 
therein  for  ever:  and  this  shall  be  the  recompense  of  the  unjust.  O 
true  believers,  fear  God;  and  let  a  soul  locxk  what  it  sendeth  before 
for  the  morrow;  and  fear  God,  for  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that 
which  ye  do.  And  be  not  as  those  who  have  forgotten  God,  and 
whom  he  hath  caused  to  forget  their  own  souls:  these  are  the  wicked 
doers.  The  inhabitants  of  hell  fire  and  the  inhabitants  of  paradise 


AL  KORAN  299 

shall  not  be  held  equal.  The  inhabitant?,  of  paradise  are  they  who 
shall  enjoy  felicity.  If  we  had  sent  down  this  KorSn  on  a  mountain, 
thou  wouldst  certainly  have  seen  the  same  humble  itself,  and  cleave 
in  sunder  for  fear  of  God.  These  similitudes  do  we  propose  unto  men, 
that  they  may  consider.  He  is  God,  besides  whom  there  is  no  God ; 
who  knoweth  that  which  is  future  and  that  which  is  present :  he  is 
the  most  Merciful ;  he  is  God,  besides  whom  there  is  no  God :  the 
King,  the  Holy,  the  Giver  of  peace,  the  Faithful,  the  Guardian,  the 
Powerful,  the  Strong,  the  most  High.  Far  be  God  exalted  above  the 
idols,  which  they  associate  with  him!  He  is  God,  the  Creator,  the 
Maker,  the  Former.  He  hath  most  excellent  names.  Whatever  is  in 
heaven  and  earth  praiseth  him:  and  he  is  the  Mighty,  the  Wise. 


CHAPTER  LX. 

ENTITLED,    SHE  WHO  IS  TKIED;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  TRUE  believers,  take  not  my  enemy  and  your  enemy  for  your 
friends,  showing  kindness  toward  them ;  since  they  believe  not  in  the 
truth  which  hath  come  unto  you,  having  expelled  the  apostle  and 
yourselves  from  your  native  city,  because  ye  believe  in  God,  your 
Lord.  If  ye  go  forth  to  fight  in  defence  of  my  religion,  and  out  of  a 
desire  to  please  me,  and  privately  show  friendship  unto  them ;  verily 
I  well  know  that  which  ye  conceal,  and  that  which  ye  discover:  and 
whoever  of  you  doth  this,  hath  already  erred  from  the  strait  path. 
If  they  get  the  better  of  you,  they  will  be  enemies  unto  you,  and  they 
will  stretch  forth  their  hands  and  their  tongues  against  you  with  evil: 
and  they  earnestly  desire  that  ye  should  become  unbelievers.  Neither 
your  kindred  nor  your  children  will  avail  you  at  all  on  the  day  of 
resurrection,  which  will  separate  you  from  one  another:  and  God 
seeth  that  which  ye  do.  Ye  have  an  excellent  pattern  in  Abraham, 
and  those  who  were  with  him,  when  they  said  unto  their  people, 
Verily  we  are  clear  of  you,  and  of  the  idols  which  ye  worship,  besides 
God:  we  have  renounced  you;  and  enmity  and  hatred  is  begun  be- 
tween us  and  you  for  ever,  until  ye  believe  in  God  alone:  except 
Abraham's  saying  unto  his  father,  \  erily  I  will  beg  pardon  for  thee; 
but  I  cannot  obtain  aught  of  God  in  thy  behalf.  O  Lord,  in  thee  do 
we  trust,  and  unto  thee  are  we  turned;  and  before  thee  shall  we  be 
assembled  hereafter.  O  Lord,  suffer  us  not  to  be  put  to  trial  by  the 
unbelievers:  and  forgive  us,  O  Lord;  for  thou  art  mighty  and  wise. 
Verily  ye  have  in  them  an  excellent  example,  unto  him  who  hopeth 
in  GoVl  and  the  last  day:  and  whoso  turneth  back;  verily  God  is  self- 
sufficient,  and  praiseworthy.  Peradventure  God  will  establish  friend- 
ship between  yourselves  and  such  of  them  as  ye  now  hold  for  enemies: 
for  God  is  powerful;  and  God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  merciful. 


300  AL  KORAN. 

As  to  those  who  have  not  borne  arms  against  you  on  account  of 
religion,  nor  turned  you  out  of  your  dwellings,  God  forbiddeth  you 
not  to  deal  kindly  with  them,  and  to  behave  justly  towards  them; 
for  God  loveth  those  who  act  justly.  But  as  to  those  who  have 
borne  arms  against  you  on  account  of  religion,  and  have  dispossessed 
you  of  your  habitations,  and  have  assisted  in  dispossessing  you, 
God  forbiddeth  you  to  enter  into  friendship  with  them:  and 
whosoever  of  you  entereth  into  friendship  with  them,  those  are 
unjust  doers.  O  true  believers,  when  believing  women  come 
unto  you  as  refugees,  try  them:  God  well  knoweth  their  faith. 
And  if  ye  know  them  to  be  true  believers,  send  them  not  back 
to  the  infidels:  they  are  not  lawful  for  the  unbelievers  to  have 
in  marriage;  neither  are  the  unbelievers  lawful  for  them.  But  give 
their  unbelieving  husbands  what  they  shall  have  expended  for  their 
dowers.  Nor  shall  it  be  any  crime  in  you  if  ye  marry  them,  provided 
ye  give  them  their  dowries.  And  retain  not  the  patronage  of  the  un- 
believing women :  but  demand  back  that  which  ye  have  expended  for 
the  dowry  of  such  of  your  wives  as  go  over  to  the  unbelievers;  and 
let  them  demand  back  that  which  they  have  expended  for  the 
dowry  of  tiiose  who  come  over  to  you.  This  is  the  judgment  of 
God,  which  he  established!  among  you:  and  God  is  knowing  and 
wise.  If  atiy  of  your  wives  escape  from  you  to  the  unbelievers,  and 
ye  have  your  turn  by  the  coming  over  of  any  of  the  unbelievers' 
wives  to  you;  give  unto  those  believers  whose  wives  shall  have  gone 
away,  out  of  the  dowries  of  the  latter,  so  much  as  they  shall  have 
expended  *or  the  dowries  of  the  former:  and  fear  God,  in  whom  ye 
believe.  O  prophet,  when  believing  women  come  unto  thee,  and 
plight  their  faith  unto  thee,  that  they  will  not  associate  anything 
with  God,  nor  steal,  nor  commit  fornication,  nor  kill  their  children, 
nor  come  "Vith  a  calumny  which  they  have  forged  between  their 
hands  and  their  feet,  nor  be  disobedient  to  thee  in  that  which  shall  be 
reasonable'  then  do  thou  plight  thy  faith  unto  them,  and  ask  pardon 
for  them  of  God;  for  God  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  merciful.  O 
true  be!Jevers,  enter  not  into  friendship  with  a  people  against  whom 
God  i?  incensed:  they  despair  of  the  life  to  come,  as  the  infidels 
despair  >f  the  resurrection  of  those  who  dwell  in  the  graves. 


CHAPTER  LXL 

ENTITLED,   BATTLE  ARRAY;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IS  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHATEVER  is  in  heaven  and  in  earth  celebrateth  the  praise  of  GoL*. 
for  he  is  mighty  and  wise.  O  true  believers,  why  do  ye  say  tha. 
which  ye  do  not?  It  is  most  odious  in  the  sight  of  God,  that  ye  say 
that  which  ye  do  not.  Verily  God  loveth  those  who  right  for  his  re- 
ligion in  battle  array,  as  though  they  were  a  well  compacted  building. 
Remember  when  Moses  said  unto  his  people,  O  my  people,  why  do 
ye  injure  me;  since  ye  know  that  I  am  the  apostle  of  God  sent  unto 
yuiv  And  when  they  had  deviated  from  the  truth,  God  made  their 
hearts  to  deviate  from  the  right  way ;  for  God  directeth  not  wicked 
people.  And  when  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  said,  O  children  of  Israel, 
veriiy  I  am  the  apostle  of  God  sent  unto  you,  confirming  the  law  which 
was  delivered  before  me,  and  bringing  good  tidings  of  an  apostle  who 
shall  come  after  me,  and  whose  name  shall  be  Ahmed  And  when  he 
produced  unto  them  evident  miracles,  they  said,  This  is  manifest 
sorcery.  But  who  is  more  unjust  than  he  who  forgeth  a  lie  against 
God,  when  he  is  invited  unto  Islam?  And  God  directeth  not  the  un- 
just people.  They  seek  to  extinguish  God's  light  Avith  their  mouths: 
but  God  Avill  perfect  his  light,  though  the  infidels  be  averse  thereto. 
It  is  he  who  hath  sent  his  apostle  with  the  direction,  and  the  re- 
ligion of  truth,  that  he  may  exalt  the  same  above  every  religion, 
although  the  idolaters  be  averse  thereto.  O  true  believers,  shall  I 
show  you  a  merchandise  which  Avill  deliver  you  from  a  painful  tor- 
ment hereafter?  Believe  in  God  and  his  apostle;  and  defend  God's 
true  religion  with  your  substance,  and  in  your  own  persons.  This 
will  be  better  for  you,  if  ye  knew  it.  He  will  forgive  you  your  sins, 
and  Avill  introduce  you  into  gardens  through  which  rivers  now,  and 
agreeable  habitations  in  gardens  of  perpetual  abode.  This  will  be 
great  felicity.  And  ye  shall  obtain  other  things  which  ye  desire, 
namely,  assistance  from  God,  and  a  speedy  victory.  Ana  do  thou 
bear  good  tidings  to  the  true  believers.  O  true  believers,  be  ye  the 
assistants  of  God;  as  Jesus  the  son  of  Mary  said  to  the  apostles*  Who 
will  lie  my  assistants  Avith  respect  to  God?  The  apostles  answered, 
We  will  be  the  assistants  of  God.  So  a  part  of  the  children  of  Israel 
believed,  and  a  part  believed  not:  but  we  strengthened  those  who  be- 
lieved, above  their  enemy;  wherefore  they  became  victorious  ovei 
them. 


CHAPTER  LXH. 

ENTITLED,   THE  ASSEMBLY;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHATEVER  is  in  heaven  and  earth  praiseth  God;  the  King,  ths 
VIoly,  the  Mighty,  the  Wise.  It  is  he  who  hath  raised  up  amidst 
the  illiterate  Arabians  an  apostle  from  among  themselves,  to  rehearse 
liis  signs  unto  them,  and  to  purify  them,  and  to  teach  them  the  scrip 
tures  and  wisdom,  whereas  before  they  were  certainly  in  a  manifest 
error  and  others  of  them  have  not  yet  attained  unto  them,  by  em- 
bracing the  faith,  though  they  also  shall  be  converted  in  God's  good 
time,  for  he  is  mighty  and  wise.  This  is  the  free  grace  of  God:  he 
bestoweth  the  same  on  whom  he  pleaseth:  and  God  is  endued  with 
great  beneficence.  The  likeness  of  those  who  were  charged  with  the 
observance  of  the  law,  and  then  observed  it  not,  is  as  the  like  i 
an  ass  laden  with  books.  How  wretched  is  the  likeness  of  the  people 
who  charge  the  signs  of  God  with  falsehood!  and  God  directeth  not 
the  unjust  people.  Say,  O  ye  who  follow  the  Jewish  religion,  if  ye 
say  that  ye  are  the  friends  of  God  above  other  men,  wish  for  death,  if 
ye  speak  truth.  But  they  will  never  wish  for  it,  because  of  that 
which  their  hands  have  sent  before  them  and  God  well  knoweth  the 
unjust.  Say,  Verily  death,  from  which  we  fly,  will  surely  meet  you . 
then  shall  ye  be  brought  before  him  who  knoweth  as  weJ*  what  is 
concealed  as  what  is  discovered,  and  he  will  declare  unto  you  that 
which  ye  have  done.  O  true  believers,  when  ye  are  called  to  prayer 
on  the  day  of  the  assembly,  hasten  to  the  commemoration  of  God, 
and  leave  merchandizing.  This  will  be  better  for  you,  if  ye  knew  it. 
And  when  prayer  is  ended,  then  disperse  yourselves  through  the  land 
as  ye  list,  and  seek  gain  of  the  liberality  of  God:  and  remember  God 
frequently,  that  ye  may  prosper.  But  when  they  see  any  merchan 
dizmgor  sport,  they  flock  thereto,  and  leave  thee  standing  up  in  thy 
pulpit.  Say,  The  reward  which  is  with  God  is  better  that  any  sport 
er  merchandise;  and  God  is  the  best  provider. 


CHAPTER  LXIIL 

ENTITLED,  THBJ    HYPOCRITES;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 
I  IN  THB  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 


N  the  hypocrites  come  unto  thee,  they  say,  We  bear  witness 
that  thou  art  indeed  the  apostle  of  God  And  God  knoweth  that  thou 
art  indeed  his  apostle  but  God  beareth  witness  that  the  hypocrite? 


AL  KORAN.  80S 

are  certainly  liars.  They  have  taken  their  oaths  for  a  protection, 
and  they  turn  others  aside  from  the  way  of  God  it  is  surely  evil 
which  they  do.  This  is  testified  of  them,  because  they  believed,  and 
afterwards  become  unbelievers:  -wherefore  a  seal  is  set  on  their  hean^ 
and  they  shall  not  understand.  When  thou  beholdest  them,  their 
persons  please  thee:  and  if  they  speak,  thouhcarest  their  discourse 
with  delight.  They  resemble  pieces  of  timber  set  up  against  a  wall. 
They  imagine  every  shout  to  be  against  them.  They  are  enemies; 
wherefore  beware  of  them.  God  curse  them ;  how  are  they  turned 
aside  from  the  truth!  And  when  it  is  said  unto  them,  Come  that  the 
apostle  of  God  may  ask  pardon  for  you.  they  turn  away  their  heads, 
and  thou  seest  them  retire  big  with  disdain.  It  shall  be  equal  unto 
them,  whether  thou  ask  pardon  for  them,  or  do  not  ask  pardon  for 
them;  God  will  by  no  means  forgive  them  for  God  directeth  not  the 
prevaricating  people.  These  are  the  men  who  say  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Medina,  Do  not  bestow  anything  on  the  refugees  who  are  with  the 
apostle  of  God,  that  they  may  be  obliged  to  separate  from  him 
Whereas  unto  God  belong  the  stores  of  heaven  and  earth,  but  the 
hvpocrites  do  not  understand.  They  say,  Verily,  if  we  return  to 
Medina,  the  worthier  shall  expel  thence  the  meaner.  Whereas  su 
perior  worth  belongeth  unto  God,  and  his  apostle,  and  the  true  be- 
lievers: but  the  hypocrites  knew  it  not.  O  true  believers,  let  not  your 
riches  or  your  children  divert  you  from  the  remembrance  of  God: 
for  whosoever  doth  this,  they  will  surely  be  losers  And  give  alms 
out  of  that  which  we  have  bestowed  on  you:  before  death  come  unto 
one  of  j^ou,  and  he  say,  0  Lord,  wilt  thou  not  grant  me  respite 
for  a  short  term;  that  I  "may  give  alms,  and  become  one  of  the  right- 
eous? For  God  will  by  no  means  grant  further  respite  to  a  soul, 
when  its  determined  time  is  come:  and  God  is  fully  apprised  of  that 
which  ye  do. 


CHAPTER  LXIV. 

ENTITLED,    MUTUAL   DECEIT  ;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHATEVER  is  in  heaven  and  earth  celebrateth  the  praises  of  God 
his  is  the  kingdom,  and  unto  him  is  the  praise  due  for  he  is 
almighty.  It  is  he  who  hath  created  you ,  and  one  of  you  is  predestined 
to  be  an  unbeliever,  and  another  of  you  is  predestined  to  be  a  believer- 
and  God  beholdeth  that  which  ye  do.  He  hath  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  with  truth;  and  he  hath  fashioned  you,  and  given  you 
beautiful  forms:  and  unto  him  must  ye  all  go.  He  knoweth  whatever 
is  in  heaven  and  earth:  and  he  knoweth  that  which  ye  conceal,  and 
that  which  ye  discover;  for  God  knoweth  the  innermost  part  of  men's 
breasta  Have  ye  not  been  acquainted  with  the  story  of  those  who  dis- 


804  AL  KORAN. 

believed  heretofore,  and  tasted  the  evil  consequence  of  their  behaviour? 
And  for  them  is  prepared,  m  the  life  to  come,  a  tormenting  punish- 
ment This  shall  they  suffer,  because  their  apostles  came  unto  them 
•with  evident  proofs  of  their  mission,  and  they  said,  Shall  men  direct 
us  ?  Wherefore  they  believed  not,  and  turned  their  backs.  But  God 
standeth  in  need  of  no  person:  for  God  is  self-sufficient,  and  worthy 
to  be  praised.  The  unbelievers  imagine  that  they  shall  not  be  raised 
again  Say  Yea,  by  my  Lord,  ye  shall  surely  be  raised  again- 
then  shall  ye  be  told  that  which  ye  have  wrought;  and  this  is  easy  with 
God  "Wherefore  believe  in  God  and  his  apostle,  and  the  light  which 
we  have  sent  down:  for  God  is  well  acquainted  with  that  which  ye  do 
On  a  certain  day  he  shall  assemble  you,  at  the  day  oi  the  geneiu! 
assembly  that  will  be  the  day  of  mutual  deceit.  And  whoso  shall 
believe  in  God,  and  shall  do  that  which  is  right,  from  him  will  he 
expiate  nis  evil  deeds,  and  he  will  lead  him  inlogardens  beneath  which 
rivers  flow,  to  remain  therein  for  ever  This  will  be  great  felicity.  But 
they  who  shall  not  believe,  and  shall  accuse  our  signs  of  falsehood, 
those  shall  be  the  inhabitants  of  hell  fire,  wherein  they  shall  remain 
for  ever  and  a  wretched  journey  shall  it  be  thither  !  "No  misfortune 
happeneth  but  by  the  permission  of  God ,  and  whoso  believeth  in  God, 
he  will  direct  his  heart .  and  God  knoweth  all  things.  "VVheref ore  obey 
God.  and  obey  the  apostle:  but  if  ye  turn  back,  verily  the  duty  incum- 
bent on  our  apostle  is  only  public 'preaching.  God  !  there  is  no  God 
but  he  wherefore  in  God  let  the  faithful  put  their  trust.  O  true 
believers,  verily  of  your  wives  and  your  children  ye  have  an  enemy: 
wherefore  beware  of  them  But  it  ye  pass  over  their  offences,  and 
pardon  and  forgive  them;  God  is  likewise  inclined  to  forgive,  and 
merciful  Your  wealth  and  your  children  are  only  a  temptation ,  but 
with  God  is  a  great  reward.  Wherefore  fear  God,  as  much  as  ye  are 
able;  and  hear,  and  obey;  and  give  alms,  for  the  good  of  your  souls: 
for  whoso  is  preserved  from  the  covetousness  of  his  own  soul,  they 
shall  prosper.  If  ye  lend  unto  God  an  acceptable  loan,  he  will  double 
the  same  unto  you,  and  will  forgive  you :  for  God  is  grateful  and  long 
suffering,  knowing  both  what  is  hidden  and  what  is  divulged;  the 
Mighty,  the  Wise. 


CHAPTER  LXV. 

ENTITLED,  DIVORCE;  REVEALED   AT  MEDINA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  PROPHET,  when  ye  divorce  women,  put  them  away  at  their 
appointed  term  ;  and  compute  the  term  exactly  and  fear  God, 
your  Lord.  Oblige  them  not  to  go  out  of  their  apartments,  neither  let 
them  go  out, until  the  term  be  expired,  unless  they  be  guilty  of  manifest 
uacleanness.  These  are  the  statutes  of  God:  and  whoever  transgress 


AL  KORAN.  305 

•th  the  statutes  of  God,  assuredly  injureth  his  own  soul.  Thou 
knowest  not  whether  God  will  bring  something  new  to  pass,  which 
may  reconcile  them,  after  this.  And  when  they  shall  have  fulfilled 
their  term,  either  retain  them  with  kindness,  or  part  from  them 
honourably:  and  take  witnesses  from  among  you,  men  of  integrity; 
and  give  your  testimony  as  in  the  presence  of  God.  This  admonition 
is  given  unto  him  who  believeth  in  God  and  the  last  day:  and  whoso 
feareth  God,  unto  him  will  he  grant  a  happy  issue  out  of  all  his 
afflictions,  and  he  will  bestow  on  him  an  ample  provision  from  whence 
he  expecteth  it  not :  and  whoso  trusteth  in  God,  he  will  be  his  suffi- 
cient support ;  for  God  will  surely  attain  his  purpose.  Now  hath  God 
appointed  unto  everything  a  determined  period.  As  to  such  of  your 
wives  as  shall  despair  having  their  courses,  by  reason  of  their  age;  if 
ye  be  in  doubt  thereof,  let  their  term  be  three  months  :  and  let  the 
same  be  the  term  of  those  who  have  not  yet  had  their  courses.  But  as 
to  those  who  are  pregnant,  their  term  shall  be,  until  they  be  delivered 
of  their  burden.  And  whoso  feareth  God,  unto  him  will  he  make  his 
command  easy.  This  is  the  command  of  God,  which  he  hath  sent 
down  unto  you.  And  whoso  feareth  God,  he  will  expiate  his  evil 
deeds  from  him,  and  will  increase  his  reward.  Suffer  the 
women  whom  ye  divorce  to  dwell  in  some  part  of  the  houses 
wherein  ye  dwell ;  according  to  the  room  and  conveniences  of 
the  habitations  which  ye  possess:  and  make  them  not  uneasy,  that 
ye  aiay  reduce  them  to  straits.  And  if  they  be  with  child,  expend  on 
them  what  shall  be  needful,  until  they  be  delivered  of  their  burden. 
And  if  they  suckle  their  children  for  you,  give  them  their  hire;  and 
consult  among  yourselves,  according  to  what  shall  be  just  and  reason- 
able. And  if  ye  be  put  to  a  difficulty  herein,  and  another  woman 
shall  suckle  the  child  for  him,  let  him  who  hath  plenty  expend  pro- 
portionally, in  the  maintenance  of  the  mother  and  the  nurse,  out  of 
his  plenty :  and  let  him  whose  income  is  scanty,  expend  in  proportion 
out  of  that  which  God  hath  given  him.  God  obligeth  no  man  to 
more  than  lie  hath  given  him  ability  to  perform:  God  will  cause  ease 
to  succeed  hardship.  How  many  cities  have  turned  aside  from  the 
command  of  their  Lord  and  his  apostles?  Wherefore  we  brought 
them  to  a  severe  account;  and  we  chastised  them  with  a  grievous 
chastisement:  and  they  tasted  the  evil  consequence  of  their  business; 
and  the  end  of  their  business  was  perdition.  God  hath  prepared  for 
them  a  severe  punishment;  wherefore  fear  God,  O  ye  who  are  endued 
with  understanding.  True  believers,  now  hath  God  sent  down 
unto  you  an  admonition,  an  apostle  who  may  rehearse  unto  you  the 
perspicuous  signs  of  God;  that  he  may  bring  forth  those  who  be- 
lieve and  do  good  works,  from  darkness  into  light.  And  whoso 
believeth  in  God,  and  doth  that  which  is  right,  him  will  he  lead 
into  gardens  beneath  which  rivers  flow,  to  remain  therein  for  ever: 
now  hath  God  made  an  excellent  provision  for  him.  It  is  God  who 
liath  created  seven  heavens,  and  as  many  different  stories  of  the 


30fl  AL  KORAN. 

earth:  the  divine  command  descendeth  between  them;  that  ye  may 
know  that  God  is  omnipotent,  and  that  God  comprehendeth  ah 
things  by  his  knowledge. 


CHAPTER  LXVI. 

ENTITLED,    PROHIBITION;   REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  PROPHET,  why  boldest  thou  that  to  be  prohibited  which  God 
hath  allowed  thee,  seeking  to  please  thy  wives;  since  God  is  inclined 
to  forgive  and  merciful?  God  hath  allowed  you  the  dissolution  of 
your  oaths:  and  God  is  your  master;  and  he  is  knowing  and  wise. 
When  the  prophet  entrusted  as  a  secret  unto  one  of  his  wives  a  cer- 
tain accident;  and  when  she  disclosed  the  same,  and  God  made  it 
known  unto  him;  he  acquainted  her  with  part  of  what  she  had  done, 
and  forbore  to  upbraid  her  with  the  other  part  thereof.  And  when 
he  had  acquainted  her  therewith,  she  said,  Who  hath  discovered  this 
unto  thee?  He  answered,  The  knowing,  the  sagacious  God  hath  dis- 
covered it  unto  me.  If  ye  both  be  turned  unto  God  (for  your  hearts 
have  swerved)  it  is  well:  but  if  ye  join  against  him,  verily  God  is  Iris 
patron;  and  Gabriel,  and  the  good  man  among  the  faithful,  and  the 
angels  also  are  his  assistants.  If  he  divorce  you,  his  Lord  can  easily 
give  him  in  exchange  other  wives  better  than  you,  women  resigned 
unto  God,  true  believers,  devout,  penitent,  obedient,  given  to  fasting, 
both  such  as  have  been  known  by  other  men,  and  virgins.  O  true 
believers,  save  your  souls,  and  those  of  your  families,  from  the  fire 
whose  fuel  is  men  and  stones,  over  which  are  set  angels  fierce  and 
terrible;  who  disobey  not  God  in  what  he  hath  commanded  them, 
but  perform  what  they  are  commanded.  O  unbelievers,  excuse  not 
yourselves  this  day;  ye  shall  surely  be  rewarded  for  what  ye  have 
done.  O  true  believers,  turn  unto  God  with  a  sincere  repentance: 
peradventure  your  Lord  will  do  away  from  you  your  evil  deeds,  and 
will  admit  you  into  gardens,  through  which  rivers  flow ;  on  the  day 
whereon  God  will  not  put  to  shame  the  prophet,  or  those  who  believe 
with  him:  their  light  shall  run  before  them  and  on  their  right  hands, 
and  they  shall  say,  Lord,  make  our  light  perfect,  and  forgive  us;  for 
thou  art  almighty.  O  prophet,  attack  the  infidels  with  arms,  and  the 
hypocrites  with  arguments;  and  treat  them  with  severity:  their  abode 
shall  be  hell,  and  an  ill  journey  shall  it  be  thither.  God  propoundeth 
as  a  similitude  unto  the  unbelievers,  the  wife  of  Noah,  and  the  wife 
of  Lot:  they  were  under  two  of  our  righteous  servants,  and  they  de- 
ceived them  both;  wherefore  their  husbands  were  of  no  advantage 
unto  them  at  all,  in  the  sight  of  God:  and  it  shall  be  said  unto  them 
at  the  last  day,  Enter  ye  into  hell  fire,  with  those  who  enter  therein. 
God  also  Drooounded  as  a  similitude  unto  those  who  believe,  the  wife 


AL  KORAN.  307 

ef  Pharaoh;  when  she  said,  Lord,  build  me  a  house  with  theein  para- 
dise; and  deliver  me  from  Pharaoh  and  his  doings,  and  deliver  me 
from  the  unjust  people:  and  Mary  the  daughter  of  Inmln;  who  pre- 
served her  chastity,  and  into  whose  womb  we  breathed  of  our  spirit, 
and  who  believed  in  the  words  of  her  Lord  and  his  scriptures,  and 
was  a  devout  and  obedient  person. 


CHAPTER  LXVII. 

ENTITLED,   THE   KINGDOM;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL,  GOD. 

(XXIX.)  Blessed  be  lie  in.  whose  hand  is  the  kingdom;  for  he  is 
almighty!  Who  hath  created  death  and  life,  that  he  might  prove 
you,  which  of  you  is  most  righteous  in  his  actions:  and  he  is  mighty 
and  ready  to  forgive.  Who  hath  created  seven  heavens,  one  above 
another:  thou  canst  not  see  in  a  creature  of  the  most  Merciful  any 
unfitness  or  disproportion.  Lift  up  thine  eyes  again  to  heaven,  and 
look  whether  thou  seest  any  flaw:  then  take  two  other  views;  and 
thy  sight  shall  return  unto  thee  dull  and  fatigued.  Moreover  we  have 
adorned  the  lowest  heaven  with  lamps,  and  have  appointed  them  to 
be  darted  at  the  devils,  for  whom  we  have  prepared  the  torment  of 
burning  fire:  and  for  those  who  believe  not  in  their  Lord,  is  also  pre- 
pared the  torment  of  hell;  an  ill  journey  shall  it  be  thither!  When 
they  shall  be  thrown  thereinto,  they  shall  hear  it  bray  like  an  ass; 
and  it  shall  boil,  and  almost  burst  for  fury.  So  often  as  a  company  of 
them  shall  be  thrown  therein,  the  keepers  thereof  shall  ask  them,  say- 
ing, Did  not  a  waruer  come  unto  you?  They  shall  answer,  Yea.  a 
warner  came  unto  us:  but  we  accused  him  of  imposture,  and  said,  God 
hath  not  revealed  anything;  ye  are  in  no  other  than  a  great  error: 
and  they  shall  say,  If  we  had  hearkened,  or  had  rightly  considered,  we 
should  not  have  been  among  the  inhabitants  of  burning  fire:  and  they 
shall  confess  their  sins;  bat  far  be  the  inhabitants  of  burning  fire  from 
obtaining  mercy!  Verily  they  who  fear  their  Lord  in  secret,  shall 
receive  pardon  and  a  great  reward.  Either  conceal  your  discourse,  of 
make  it  public;  he  knoweth  the  innermost  parts  of  your  breasts: 
shall  not  lie  know  all  things  who  hath  created  them;  since  he  is  the 
sagacious,  the  knowing?  It  is  lie  who  hath  levelled  the  earth  for  you: 
therefore  walk  through  the  regions  thereof,  and  cat  of  his  provision; 
unto  him  shall  be  the  resurrection.  Are  ye  secure  that  he  who  dwelleth 
in  heaven  will  not  cause  the  earth  to  swallow  you  up?  and  behold,  it 
shall  shake.  Or  are  ye  secure  that  he  who  dwelleth  in  heaven  will  not 
<end  against  you  an  impetuous  whirl'.'  ind,  driving  the  sands  to  over- 
overwhelm  you?  then  shall  y.-  know  how  important  my  warning  was. 
Those  also  who  were  before  you  disbelieved;  and  how  grievous  was 
my  displeasure!  Do  they  not  behold  the  birds  above  them,  extending 


308  AL  KORAN. 

and  drawing  back  their  -wings?  None  sustaineth  them,  except  the 
Merciful;  for  he  regardeth  all  things.  Or  who  is  he  that  will  be  as  an. 
army  unto  you,  to  defend  you  against  the  Merciful?  Verily  the  un- 
believers are  in  no  other  than  a  mistake.  Or  who  is  he  that  will  give 
you  food,  if  he  withholdeth  his  provision?  yet  they  persist  in  per- 
verseness,  and  flying  from  the  truth.  Is  he,  therefore,  who  goeth 
grovelling  upon  his  face,  better  directed  than  he  who  walketh  upright 
in  a  straight  way?  Say,  It  is  he  who  hath  given  you  being,  and 
endued  you  with  hearing,  and  sight,  and  understanding;  yet  how 
little  gratitude  have  ye!  "Say,  It  is  he  who  hath  sown  you  in  the 
earth,  and  unto  him  shall  ye  be  gathered  together.  They 'say,  When 
shall  this  menace  be  put  in  execution,  if  he  speak  truth?  Answer, 
The  knowledge  of  this  natter  is  with  God  alone:  for  I  am  only  a 
public  warner.  But  when  they  shall  sec  the  same  nigh  at  hand,  the 
countenance  of  the  infidels  shall  grow  sad:  and  it  shall  be  said  unto 
them.  This  is  what  ye  have  been  demanding.  Say.  AYhat  think  ye? 
"Whether  God  destroy  me  and  those  who  are  with  me,  or  have  mercy 
onus;  who  will  protect  the  unbelievers  from  a  painful  punishment? 
Say,  He  is  the  Merciful;  in  him  do  we  believe,  and  in  him  do  we  put 
our  trust.  Ye  shall  hereafter  know  who  is  in  a  manifest  error.  Say. 
What  think  ye?  If  your  water  be  in  the  morning  swallowed  up  by 
the  earth,  who  will  give  you  clear  and  running  water? 


CHAPTER  LXVIII. 

ENTITLED,    THE   PEN;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFCL  GOD. 

N.  By  the  pen,  and  what  they  write,  thou,  O  Mohammed,  through 
the  grace  of  thy  Lord,  art  not  distracted.  Verily  there  is  prepared 
for thee  an  everlasting  reward ;  for  thou  art  of  a  noble  disposition. 
Thou  shall  see,  and  the  infidels  shall  see,  which  of  you  are  bereaved 
of  your  senses.  Verily  thy  Lord  well  knoweth  him  who  wandereth 
from  his  path;  and  he  well  knoweth  those  who  are  rightly  directed: 
wherefore  obey  not  those  who  charge  thee  with  imposture.  They 
desire  that  thou  shouldst  be  easy  with  them,  and  they  will  be  easy 
with  thee.  But  obey  not  any  who  is  a  common  swearer,  a  despicable 
fellow,  a  defamer,  going  about  with  slander,  who  forbiddeth  that 
which  is  good,  who  is  also  a  transgressor,  a  wicked  person,  cruel,  and 
besides  this,  of  spurious  birth :  although  he  be  possessed  of  wealth 
and  many  children:  when  our  signs  are  rehearsed  unto  him.  he  saith, 
They  are* fables  of  the  ancients.  We  will  stigmatize  him  on  the  nose. 
Verily  we  have  tried  the  Meceans.  as  we  formerly  tried  the  owners 
i>f  the  garden;  when  they  swore  that  they  would  gather  the  fruit 
thereof  in  the  morning,  and  added  not  the  exception,  if  it  please  God' 
Wherefore  a  surrounding  destruction  from  thy  Lord  encompassed  it 


AL  KORAN.  309 

while  they  slept,  and  in  the  morning  it  became  like  a  garden  whose 
fruits  had  been  gathered.  And  they  called  the  one  to  the  other  as 
they  rose  in  the  morning,  saying,  Go  out  early  to  your  plantation,  if 
ye  intend  to  gather  the  fruit  thereof  so  they  went  on,  whispering  to 
one  anothei,  No  poor  man  shall  enter  the  garden  upon  you  this  day. 
And  they  went  forth  early,  with  a  determined  purpose.  And  when 
they  saw  the  garden  blasted  and  destroyed,  they  said,  We  have  cer- 
tainly mistaken  our  way  but  when  they  found  it  to  be  their  own 
garden,  they  cried,  Verily  we  are  not  permitted  to  reap  the  fruit 
thereof.  The  worthier  of  them  said,  Did  I  not  say  unto  you,  Will  ye 
not  give  praise  unto  God?  They  answered,  Praise  be  unto  our  Lord  I 
Verily  vve  have  been  unjust  doers.  And  they  began  to  blame  one 
another,  and  they  said,  \Voe  be  unto  us'  verily  we  have  been  trans- 
gressors peradventure  our  Lord  will  give  us  in  exchange  a  better 
garden  than  this:  and  we  earnestly  beseech  cur  Lord  to  pardon  us. 
Thus  is  the  chastisement  of  this  life:  but  the  chastisement  of  the 
next  shall  be  more  grievous;  if  they  had  known  it,  they  would  have 
taken  heed.  Verily  for  the  pious  are  prepared,  with  their  Lord,  gardens 
of  delight.  Shall  we  deal  with  the  Moslems  as  with  the  wicked?  What 
aileth  you  that  ye  judge  thus?  Have  ye  a  book  from  heaven,  wherein 
ye  read  that  ye  are  therein  promised  that  which  ye  shall  choose?  Or 
have  ye  received  oaths  which  shall  be  binding  upon  us  to  the  day  of 
resurrection,  that  ye  shall  enjoy  what  ye  imagine?  Ask  them,  which 
of  them  will  be  the  voucher  of  this.  Or  have  they  companions  who 
will  vouch  for  them?  Let  them  produce  their  companions,  there 
fore,  if  they  speak  truth.  On  a  certain  day  the  leg  shall  be  made 
bare;  and  they  shall  be  called  upon  to  worship,  but  they  shall  not  be 
able.  Their  looks  shall  be  cast  down  ignominy  shall  attend  them- 
for  that  the}'  were  invited  to  the  worship  of  God,  while  they  were  in 
safety,  but  would  not  hear  Let  me  alone,  therefore,  with  him  who 
arcuseth  this  new  revelation  of  imposture.  We  will  lead  them  grad- 
ually to  destruction,  by  ways  which  they  know  not :  and  I  will  bear 
with  them  for  a  long  time;  for  my  stratagem  is  effectual.  Dost  thou 
ask  them  any  reward  for  thy  preaching?  But  they  are  laden  with 
debts.  Are  the  secrets  of  futurity  with  them;  and  do  they  transcribe 
1he  same  from  the  table  of  God's  decrees?  Wherefore  patiently  wait 
the  judgment  of  thy  Lord  and  be  not  like  him  who  was  swallowed 
by  theitish;  when  he  cried  unto  God,  being  inwardly  vexed.  Had 
not  grace  from  his  Lord  reached  him,  he  had  surely  been  cast  forth 
on  the  naked  shore,  covered  with  shame-  but  his  Lord  chose  him, 
and  made  him  one  of  the  righteous.  It  wanted  little  but  that  tho 
unbelievers  strike  thee  down  with  their  malicious  looks,  when  they 
hear  the  admonition  of  the  Koran;  and  they  say,  He  is  certainly 
distracted:  but  it  is  vn  other  than  an  admonition  unto  all  creatures. 


CHAPTER  LXIX. 

ENTITLED,   THE  INFALLIBLE,  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  infallible!  What  is  the  infallible9  And  what  shall  cause 
;hee  to  understand  what  the  infallible  is?  The  tribes  of  Thamud  and 
Ad  denied  as  a  falsehood  the  clay  which  shall  strike  men's  hearts 
with  terror.  But  Thamud  were  destroyed  by  a  terrible  noise  and 
Ad  were  destroyed  by  a  roaring  and  furious  wind;  which  God  caused 
to  assail  them  for  seven  nights  and  eight  days  successively  thou 
mightest  have  seen  people,  during  the  same,  lying  prostrate,  as 
though  they  had  been  the  roots  of  hollow  palm-trees:  and  couldst 
thou  have  seen  any  of  them  remaining?  Pharaoh  also,  and  these 
who  were  before  him,  and  the  cities  which  were  overthrown,  were 
guilty  of  sin;  and  they  severally  were  disobedient  to  the  apostle  of 
their  Lord;  wherefore  he  chastised  them  with  an  abundant  chastise- 
ment When  ihe  water  of  the  deluge  arose,  we  carried  you  in  the 
ark  which  swam  thereon;  that  we  might  make  the  same  a  memorial 
unto  you,  ar>d  the  retaining  ear  might  retain  it.  And  when  one  blast 
shall  sound  tlie  trumpet,  :vnd  the  earth  shall  be  moved  from  its  place, 
and  the  mountains  also,  and  shall  be  dashed  in  pieces  at  one  stroke: 
on  that  day  the  inevitable  hour  of  judgment  shall  suddenly  come; 
and  the  heavens  shall  cleave  in  sunder,  and  shall  fall  in  pieces,  on 
that  day:  and  the  angels  shall  be  on  the  sides  thereof ;  and  eight  shall 
bear  the  throne  of  thy  Lord  above  them,  on  that  day.  On  that  day 
ye  shall  be  presented  before  the  judgment  seat  of  God ;  and  none  of 
your  secret  actions  shall  be  hidden  And  lie  who  shall  have  his  book 
delivered  into  his  right  hand,  shall  ?ay,  Take  ye,  read  this  my  book; 
verily  I  thought  t heft  I  should  be  brought  to  this  my  account :  he 
shall* lead  a  pleasing  life,  in  a  lofty  garden,  the  fruits  whereof  shall 
be  near  to  gather.  Eat  and  drink  with  easy  digestion;  because  oi 
the  good  works  which  ye  sent  before  you,  ii?  the  days  which  are  past. 
But  he  who  shall  have  his  book  delivered  iiito  his  left  hand,  shall 
say,  Oh  that  I  had  not  received  this  my  book-  and  that  I  had  not 
known  what  this  my  account  was!  Oh  tha'  death  hath  made  an  end 
of  me!  My  riches  have  not  profited  ir>e;  and  my  power  has  passed 
from  me.  And  God  shall  say  to  the  keepers  of  hell,  Take  him,  and 
bind  him,  add  cast  him  into  heil  to  be  burned;  then  put  him  into  a 
chain  of  the  length  of  seventy  cubits:  because  he  believed  not  in  the 
great  God;  ana  was  not  solicitous  to  feed  tLe  poor-  wherefore  this 
day  he  shall  have  no  friend  here;  nor  any  food,  but  the  filly  corrup- 
tion flowing  from  the  bodies  of  the  damned,  which  none  shall  eat 


AL  KORAN.  311 

but  the  sinners.  I  swea^  by  that  which  ye  see,  and  that  which  ye 
see  not,  that  this  is  the  discourse  of  an  honourable  apostle,  and  not 
the  discourse  of  a,  poet :  how  little  do  ye  believe!  Neither  is  it  the 
discourse  of  a  soothsayer:  how  little  are  ye  admonished  1  It  is  a  ivv- 
elation  from  the  Lorn  of  all  creatures.  If  Mohammed  had  forged 
any  part  of  these  discourses  concerning  us,  verily  we  had  taken  him 
by  the  right  hand,  and  had  cut  in  sunder  the  vein  of  his  heart;  neither 
would  we  have  withheld  any  of  you  from  chastising  him.  And 
verily  this  book  is  an  admonition  unto  the  pious;  and  we  well  know 
that  there  are  some  of  you  who  charge  the  same  with  imposture:  but  it 
shall  surely  be  an  occasion  of  grievous  sighing  unto  the  infidels;  for 
it  is  the  truth  of  a  certainty.  Wherefore  praise  the  name  of  thy 
,  the  great  God. 


CHAPTER    LXX. 

ENTITLED,   THE   STEPS;     KEVEALED    AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

ONE  demanded  and  called  for  vengeance  to  fall  on  the  unbelievers: 
there  shall  be  none  to  avert  the  same  from  being  inflicted  by  God, 
the  possessor  of  the  steps;  by  which  the  angels  ascend  unto  him,  and 
the  spirit  Gabriel  also,  in  a  day  whose  space  is  fifty  thousand  years; 
wherefore  bear  the  insults  of  the  Meccans  with  becoming  patience; 
for  they  see  their  punishment  afar  off,  but  we  see  it  nigh  at  hand. 
On  a  certain  day  the  heaven  shall  become  like  molten  brass,  and  the 
mountains  like  wool  of  various  colours,  scattered  abroad  by  the 
wind-  and  a  friend  shall  not  ask  a  friend  concerning  his  condition, 
although  they  see  one  another.  The  wicked  shall  wish  to  redeem 
himself  from  the  punishment  of  that  day,  by  giving  up  his  children, 
and  his  wife,  and  his  brother,  and  his  kindred  who  showed  kindness 
unto  him,  and  all  who  are  in  the  earth;  and  that  this  might  deliver 
him:  by  no  means:  for  heil  fire,  dragging  them  by  their  scalps,  shall 
call  him  who  shall  have  turned  his  back,  and  fled  from  the  faith,, 
and  shall  have  amassed  riches,  and  covetously  hoarded  them.  Verily 
man  is  created  extremely  impatient:  when  evil  toucheth  him,  he  is 
full  of  complaint;  but  when  good  befalleth  him,  he  becometh  nig- 
gardly: except  those  who  are  devoutly  given,  and  who  persevere  in 
their  prayers;  and  those  of  whose  substance  a  due  and  certain  portion 
is  ready  to  be  given  unto  him  who  asketh,  and  him  who  is  forbidden 
by  shame  to  ask-  and  those  who  sincerely  believe  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, and  who  dread  the  punishment  of  their  Lord  (for  there  is  none 
secure  from  the  punishment  of  their  Lord):  and  who  abstain  from 
the  carnal  knowledge  of  women  other  than  their  wives,  or  the  slaves 
which  their  right  hands  possess  (for  as  to  them  they  shall  be  blame- 
less; but  whoever  coveteth  any  women  besides  these,  they  are  trans- 


812  AL  KORAN. 

gressors);  and  those  who  faithfully  keep  what  they  are  entrusted 
with,  and  their  covenant;  and  who  are  upright  in  their  testimonies, 
and  who  carefully  observe  the  requisite  rites  in  their  prayers-  these 
shall  dwell  amidst  gardens,  highly  honoured.  "What  aileth  the  un- 
believers, that  they  run  before  thee  in  companies,  on  the  riglit  hand 
and  on  the  left?  Doth  every  man  of  them  wish  to  enter  into  a  garden 
of  delight?  By  no  means:  verily  we  have  created  them  of  that  which 
they  know.  I  swear  by  the  Lord  of  the  east  and  of  the  west,  that  we 
are  able  to  destroy  them,  and  to  substitute  better  than  them  in  their 
room;  neither  are  we  to  be  prevented,  if  we  shall  please  so  to  do 
Wherefore  suffer  them  to  wade  in  vain  disputes,  and  to  amuse  them 
selves  with  sport-  until  they  meet  their  day  with  which  t hoy  have 
been  threatened ;  the  day  whereon  they  shall  come  forth  hastily  from 
their  graves,  as  though  they  were  troops  hastening  to  tl»Pir  standard: 
their  looks  shall  be  downcast ;  ignominy  shall  attend  Uix:i:i.  This  is 
the  day  with  which  they  have  been  threatened. 


CHAPTER  LXXTT. 

ENTITLED,   NOAH;  REVEALED  AT  MECCu. 
KJ   THE   NAME   OF   THE    MOST    MERCIFUL    GOI.. 

VERILY  we  sent  Noah  unto  his  people,  saying,  Warn  thy  peopie, 
before  a  grievous  punishment  overtake  them.  Noah  said,  O  my 
people,  verily  I  am  a  public  warner  unto  you ;  wherefore,  serve  God 
and  fear  him,  and  obey  me:  he  will  forgive  you  part  of  your  sins,  and 
will  grant  you  respite  until  a  determined  time:  for  God's  determined 
time,  when  it  cometh,  shall  not  be  deferred;  if  ye  were  men  of  under- 
standing ye  would  know  this.  He  said,  Lord,  verily  I  have  called  my 
people  night  and  day;  but  my  calling  only  increaseth  their  aversion, 
and  whensoever  I  call  them  to  the  true  faith,  that  thou  mayest  forgive 
them,  they  put  their  fingers  in  their  ears,  and  cover  themselves  with 
their  garments,  and  persist  in  their  infidelity,  and  proudly  disdain  my 
counsel.  Moreover  I  invited  them  openly,  and  I  spake  to  them  again 
in  public;  and  I  also  secretly  admonished'them  in  private  and  I  said 
Beg  pardon  of  your  Lord  for  he  is  inclined  to  forgive  and  he  wil. 
cause  the  heaven  to  pour  down  rain  plentifully  upon  you,  and  will 
give  you  increase  of  wealth  and  of  children;  and  he  wTill  provide  you 
gardens,  and  furnish  j'ou  with  rivers.  What  aileth  you,  that  ye  hope 
not  for  benevolence  in  God,  since  he  hath  created  you  variously?  I)r 
ye  not  see  how  God  hath  created  the  seven  heavens,  one  above  anothci 
and  hath  placed  the  moon  therein  fora  light,  and  hath  appointed  the 
sun  for  a  taper?  God  hath  also  produced  and  caused  you  to  spring  forth 
from  the  earth  hereafter  he  will  cause  you  to  return  into  the  same. 
and  he  will  again  take  you  thence,  by  bringing  you  forth  from  your 
graves.  And  God  hath  spread  the  earth  as  a  carpet  for  you,  that  yu 


AL  KORAN.  313 

may  walk  therein  through  spacious  paths.  Noah  said,  Lord,  verily 
they  are  disobedient  unto  me,  and  they  follow  him  whose  riches  and 
children  do  no  other  than  increase  his  perdition.  And  they  devised 
a  dangerous  plot  against  Noah:  and  the  chief  men  said  to  the  others, 
Ye  shall  by  no  means  leave  your  gods;  neither  shall  ye  forsake  Wadd, 
nor  SowS,  nor  Yaghuth,  and  Yauk,  and  Nesr.  And  they  seduced 
many  (for  thou  shalt  only  increase  error  in  the  wicked);  because  of 
their  sins  they  were  drowned,  and  cast  into  the  fire  of  hell ;  and  they 
found  none  to  protect  them  against  God.  And  Noah,  said,  Lord, 
leave  not  any  families  of  the  unbelievers  on  the  earth :  for  if  thou  leave 
them,  they  will  seduce  thy  servants,  and  will  beget  none  but  a  wicked 
and  unbelieving  offspring,  Lord,  forgive  me  and  my  parents,  and 
every  one  who  shall  enter  my  house,  being  a  true  believer,  and  the 
true  believers  of  both  sexes;  and  add  unto  the  unjust  doers  nothing 
but  destruction. 


CHAPTER  LXXII. 

ENTITLED,   THE  GENTI;  KEVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OP    THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

SAY,  It  hath  been  revealed  unto  me  that  a  company  of  genii  atten- 
tively heard  me  reading  the  Koran,  and  said,  Verily  we  have  heard 
an  admirable  discourse;  which  directeth  unto  the  right  institution: 
wherefore  we  believe  therein,  and  we  will  by  no  means  associate  any 
other  with  our  Lord.  He  (may  the  majesty  of  our  Lord  be  exalted !) 
hath  taken  no  wife,  nor  hath  he  begotten  any  issue.  Yet  the  foolish 
among  us  hath  spoken  that  which  is  extremely  false  of  God;  but  we 
verily  thought  that  neither  man  nor  genius  would  by  any  means  have 
uttered  a  lie  concerning  God.  And  there  are  certain  men  who  fly  for 
refuge  unto  certain  of  the  genii :  but  they  increase  their  folly  and 
transgression :  and  they  also  thought,  as  ye  thought,  that  God  would 
not  raise  any  one  to  life.  And  we  formerly  attempted  to  pry  into 
what  was  transacting  in  heaven;  but  we  found  the  same  filled  with  a 
;trong  guard  of  angels,  and  with  flaming  darts:  and  we  sat  on  some 
>f  the  seats  thereof  to  hear  the  discourse  of  its  inhabitants;  but  who- 
3ver  listeneth  now  findeth  a  flame  laid  in  ambush  for  him,  to  guard 
the  celestial  confines.  And  we  know  not  whether  evil  be  hereby  in- 
tended against  those  who  are  in  the  earth,  or  whether  their  Lord  in- 
tendeth  to  direct  them  aright.  There  are  some  among  us  who  are  up- 
right; and  there  are  some  among  us  who  are  otherwise:  we  are  of 
different  ways.  And  we  verily  thought  that  we  could  by  no  means 
frustrate  God  in  the  earth,  neither  could  we  escape  him  by  flight: 
wherefore,  when  we  had  heard  the  direction  contained  in  the  Koran, 
we  believed  therein.  And  whoever  believeth  in  his  Lord,  need  not 
fear  any  diminution  of  his  reward,  nor  any  injustice.  There  are 


314  AL  KORAN. 

some  Moslems  among  us;  and  there  are  others  of  us  who  swerve 
from  righteousness.  And  whoso  embraceth  Isla~m,  they  earnestly 
seek  true  direction ;  but  those  who  swerve  from  righteousness  shall 
be  fuel  for  hell.  If  they  tread  in  the  way  of  truth,  we  will  surc-ly 
water  them  with  abundant  rain:  that  we  may  prove  them  there- 
by; but  whoso  turneth  aside  from  the  admonition  of  his  Lord, 
him  will  he  send  into  a  severe  torment.  Verily  the  places  of 
worship  are  set  apart  unto  God:  wherefore  invoke  not  any  other 
therein  together  with  God.  When  the  servant  of  God  stood  up  to 
invoke  him,  it  wanted  little  but  that  the  genii  had  pressed  on  him 
in  crowds,  to  hear  him  rehearse  the  Koran.  Say,  Verily  I  call  upon 
my  Lord  only,  and  I  associate  no  other  god  with  him.  Say,  Verily  I 
am  not  able,  of  myself ,  to  procure  you  either  hurt  or  a  right  institu- 
tion. Say,  Verily  none  can  protect  me  against  God;  neither  shall  I 
find  any  refuge  besides  him.  I  can  do  no  more  than  publish  what 
hath  been  revealed  unto  me  from  God,  and  his  messages.  And  who- 
soever shall  be  disobedient  unto  God  and  his  apostle,  for  him  is  the 
fire  of  hell  prepared;  they  shall  remain  therein  for  ever.  Until  they 
see  the  vengeance  with  which  they  are  threatened,  they  will  not  <  ra-u 
their  opposition:  but  then  shall  they  know  who  were  the  weaker  in  a 
protector,  and  the  fewer  in  number.  Say,  I  know  not  whether  the 
punishment  with  which  ye  are  threatened  be  nigh,  or  whether  my 
Lord  will  appoint  for  it  a  distant  term.  He  knoweth  the  secrets  of 
futurity;  and  he  doth  not  communicate  his  secrets  unto  any,  except 
an  apostle  in  whom  he  is  well  pleased :  and  he  causeth  a  guard  of 
angels  to  march  before  him  and  behind  him,  that  he  may  know 
that  they  have  executed  the  commissions  of  their  Lord :  he  compre- 
hendeth  whatever  is  with  them,  and  counteth  all  things  by  number. 


CHAPTER  LXXIII. 

ENTITLED,  THE  WRAPPED  UP;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME   OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

O  THOTJ  wrapped  up,  arise  to  prayer,  and  continue  therein  during 
the  night,  except  a  small  part ;  that  is  to  say,  during  one-half  thereof: 
or  do  thou  lessen  the  same  a  little,  or  add  thereto.  And  repeat  the 
KorSn  with  a  distinct  and  sonorous  voice :  for  we  will  lay  on  thee  a 
weighty  word.  Verily  the  rising  by  night  is  more  efficacious  for 
steadfast  continuance  in  devotion,  and  more  conducive  to  decent 
pronunciation:  for  in  the  daytime  thou  hast long  employment.  And 
commemorate  the  name  of  thy  Lord:  and  separate  thyself  unto  him, 
renouncing  worldly  vanities.  He  is  the  Lord  of  the  east  and  of  the 
west ;  there  is  no  God  but  he.  Wherefore  take  him  for  thy  patron: 
and  patiently  suffer  the  contumelies  which  the  infidels  utter  against 
thee ;  and  depart  from  them  with  a  decent  departure.  And  let  me 


AL  KORAN.  315 

alone  with  those  who  charge  the  Koran  with  falsehood,  who  enjoy  the 
blessings  of  this  life;  and  bear  with  them  for  a  while:  verily  with  us 
are  heavy  fetters,  and  a  burning  fire,  and  food  ready  to  choke  him 
who  swalloweth  it,  and  painful  torment.  On  a  certain  day  the  earth 
shall  be  shaken,  and  the  mountains  also,  and  the  mountains  shall  be- 
come a  heap  of  sand  poured  forth.  Verily  we  have  sent  unto  you  an 
apostle,  to  bear  witness  against  you;  as  we  sent  an  apostle  unto 
Phanioh:  but  Pharaoh  was  disobedient  unto  the  apostle;  wherefore 
we  chastised  him  with  a  heavy  chastisement  How,  therefore,  will 
ye  escape,  if  ye  believe  not,  the  day  which  shall  make  children  be- 
come grey-headed  through  terror?  The  heaven  shall  be  rent  in 
sunder  thereby:  the  promise  thereof  shall  surely  be  performed. 
Verily  this  is  an  admonition;  and  whoever  is  willing  to  be  admon- 
ished, will  take  the  way  unto  his  Lord.  Thy  Lord  knoweth  that 
thoa  continues!  in  prayer  and  meditation  sometimes  near  two-third 
parts  of  the  night,  and  sometimes  one-half  thereof,  and  at  other  times 
one-third  part  thereof:  and  a  part  of  thy  companions,  who  are  with 
thee,  do  the  same.  But  God  measureth  the  night  and  the  day;  he 
knoweth  that  you  cannot  exactly  compute  the  same:  wherefore  he 
turueth  favourably  unto  you.  Read,  therefore,  so  much  of  the  Koran 
as  may  be  easy  unto  you.  He  knoweth  that  there  will  be  some  infirm 
among  you ;  and  others  travel  through  the  earth,  that  they  may  ob- 
tain a  competency  of  the  bounty  of  God;  and  others  fight  in  the  de- 
fence of  God's  faith.  Read,  therefore,  so  much  of  the  same  as  may 
be  easy.  And  observe  the  stated  times  of  prayer,  and  pay  the 
legal  alms;  and  lend  unto  God  an  acceptable  loan;  for  whatever 
good  ye  send  before  for  your  souls,  ye  shall  find  the  same  with  God. 
This  will  be  better,  and  will  merit  a  greater  reward.  And  ask  God 
forgiveness ;  for  God  is  ready  to  forgive,  and  merciful. 


CHAPTER  LXXIV. 

ENTITLED,  THE  COVERED;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN    THE   NAME    OF    THE     MOST    MERCIFUL    GOD. 

O  THOU  covered,  arise  and  preach,  and  magnify  thy  Lord.  And 
r-leanse  thy  garments:  and  fly  every  abomination:  and  be  not  liberal, 
in  hopes  to  receive  more  in  return:  and  patiently  wait  for  thy  Lord. 
When  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  verily  that  day  shall  be  a  day  of  dis- 
tress and  uneasiness  unto  the  unbelievers.  Let  me  alone  with  him 
whom  I  have  created,  on  whom  I  have  bestowed  abundant  riches, 
and  children  dwelling  in  his  presence,  and  for  whom  I  have  disposed 
a  flairs  in  a  smooth  and  easy  manner,  and  who  desireth  that  I  will 
yet  add  other  blessings  unto  him.  By  no  means:  because  he  is  an 
adversary  to  our  signs.  I  will  afflict  him  with  grievous  calamities: 
for  he  hath  devised  and  prepared  contumelious  expressions  to  ridicule 


316  AL  KORAN. 

the  KorSn.  May  he  be  cursed:  how  maliciously  hath  he  prepared 
the  same!  And  again,  may  he  be  cursed:  how  maliciously  hath  he 
prepared  the  same!  Then  he  looked,  and  frowned,  and  put  on  an 
austere  countenance:  then  he  turned  back,  and  was  elated  with 
pride;  and  he  said,  This  is  no  other  than  a  piece  of  magic,  borrowed 
from  others:  these  are  only  the  words  of  a  man.  I  will  cast  him  to 
be  burned  in  hell.  And  what  shall  make  thee  to  understand  what 
hell  is?  It  leaveth  not  anything  unconsumed,  neither  doth  it  suffer 
anything  to  escape  it:  it  scorcheth  men's  flesh:  over  the  same  are 
nineteen  angels  appointed.  We  have  appointed  none  but  angels  to 
preside  over  hell  fire:  and  we  have  expressed  the  number  of  them 
only  for  an  occasion  of  discord  to  the  unbelievers;  that  they  to  whom 
the  scriptures  have  been  given,  may  be  certain  of  the  veracity  of  this 
book,  and  the  true  believers  may  increase  in  faith:  and  that  those  to 
whom  the  scriptures  have  been  given,  and  the  true  believers,  may  not 
doubt  hereafter;  and  that  those  in  whose  hearts  there  is  an  infirmity, 
and  the  unbelievers,  may  say,  What  mystery  doth  God  intend  by 
this  number?  Thus  doth  God  cause  to  err  whom  he  pleaseth;  and 
he  directeth  whom  he  pleaseth.  None  knoweth  the  armies  of  thy 
Lord,  besides  him :  and  this  is  no  other  than  a  memento  unto  man- 
kind. Assuredly.  By  the  moon,  and  the  night  when  it  retreatcth, 
and  the  morning  when  it  reddeneth,  1  swear  that  this  is  one  of  the 
most  terrible  calamities,  giving  warning  unto  men,  as  well  as  unto 
him  among  you  who  desireth  to  go  forward,  as  unto  him  who 
chooseth  to  remain  behind.  Every  soul  is  given  in  pledge  for  that 
which  it  shall  have  wrought:  except  the  companions  of  the  right 
hand;  who  shall  dwell  in  gardens,  and  shall  ask  one  another  ques- 
tions concerning  the  wicked,  and  shall  also  ask  the  wicked  themselves, 
saying,  What  hath  brought  you  into  hell?  They  shall  answer,  We 
were  not  of  those  who  were  constant  at  prayer,  neither  did  we  feed 
the  poor;  and  we  waded  in  vain  disputes,  with  the  fallacious  reason- 
ers;  and  we  denied  the  day  of  judgment,  until  death  overtook  us: 
and  the  intercession  of  the  interceders  shall  not  avail  them.  What  ail- 
etii  Them,  therefore,  that  they  turn  aside  from  the  admonition  of  the 
Koran,  as  though  they  were  timorous  asses  flying  from  a  lion?  But 
ever}'  man  among  them  desireth  that  he  may  have  expanded  scrolls 
delivered  to  him  from  God.  By  no  means.  They  fear  not  the  life  to 
come.  By  no  means:  verily  this  is  a  sufficient  warning.  Whoso  is 
willing  to  be  warned,  him  shall  it  warn :  but  they  shall  not  be  warned, 
unless  God  shall  please.  He  is  worthy  to  be  feared;  and  he  is  in- 
clined to  foreivenesss. 


CHAPTER   LXXY. 

ENTITLED,    THE  RESURRECTION;    REVEALED  AT 

IN   THE    NAME    OF    THE    MOST    MERCIFUL    GOD. 

VERILY  I  swear  by  the  day  of  resurrection;  and  I  s\ve;n-  by  the 
soul  which  accuseth  itself:  doth  man  think  that  we  will  not  gather 
his  bones  together?  Yea-  we  are  able  to  put  together  the  smallest 
bones  of  his  fingers.  But  man  chooseth  to  be  wicked,  for  the  time 
which  is  before  him.  He  asketh,  When  will  the  day  of  resurrection 
l>e?  But  when  the  sight  shall  be  dazzled,  and  the  moon  shall  be 
eclipsed,  and  the  sun  and  the  moon  shall  be  in  conjunction;  on  that 
day  man  shall  say,  Where  is  a  place  of  refuge?  By  no  means:  there 
shall  be  no  place  to  fly  unto.  With  thy  Lord  abaft  be  the  sure  man- 
sion of  rest  on  that  day:  on  that  day  shall  a  man  be  told  that  which 
he  hath  done  first  and  last.  Yea,  a  man  shall  be  an  evidence  against 
himself:  and  though  he  offer  his  excuses,  they  shall  not  be  received. 
Move  not  thy  tongue,  O  Mohammed,  in  repeating  the  revelations 
brought  thee  by  Gabriel,  before  he  shall  have  finished  the  same,  that 
thou  mayest  quickly  commit  them  to  memory:  for  the  collecting  the 
Koran  in  thy  mind,  and  the  teaching  thee  the  true  reading  thereof, 
are  incumbent  on  us.  But  when  we  shall  have  read  the  same  unto 
thee  by  the  tongue  of  the  angel,  do  thou  follow  the  reading  thereof: 
and  afterwards  it  shall  be  our  part  to  explain  it  unto  thee.  By  no 
means  shalt  thou  be  thus  hasty  for  the  future.  But  ye  love  that 
which  hasteneth  away,  and  neglect  the  life  to  come.  Some  counte- 
nances, on  that  day,  shall  be  bright,  looking  towards  their  Lord; 
and  some  countenances,  on  that  day,  shall  be  dismal:  they  shall 
think  that  a  crushing  calamity  shall  be  brought  upon  them.  Assur- 
edly. When  a  man's  soul  shall  come  up  to  his  throat,  in  his  last 
agony;  and  the  standers-by  shall  say,  Who  briugcth  a  charm  to  re- 
cover him?  and  shall  think  it  to  be  his  departure  out  of  this  world; 
^nd  one  leg  shall  he  joined  with  the  other  leg:  on  that  day  unto  thy 
Lord  shall  he  be  driven.  For  he  believed  not,  neither  did  he  pray; 
but  he  accused  God's  apostle  of  imposture,  and  turned  back  from 
obeying  him:  then  he  departed  unto  his  family,  walking  with  a 
haughty  mien.  Wherefore,  woe  be  unto  thee;  woe!  And  again, 
Woe  be  unto  thee;  woe!  Doth  man  think  that  he  shall  be  left  at  full 
liberty,  without  control?  Was  he  not  a  drop  of  seed,  which  was 
emitted?  Afterwards  he  became  a  little  coagulated  blood:  and  God 
formed  him,  and  fashioned  him  with  just  proportion:  and  made  of 
him  two  sexes,  the  male  and  the  female.  Is  not  he  who  hath  doi/e 
this  able  to  quicken  the  dead? 


CHAPTER  LXXVI. 

ENTITLED,    MAN;    REVEALED    AT  MECCA. 

IX    THE   NAME   OP   THE  MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

Dro  there  not  pass  over  man  a  long  space  of  time;  during  which 
he  was  a  thing  not  worthy  of  remembrance?  Verily  we  have  created 
man  of  the  mingled  seed  of  both  sexes,  that  we  might  prove  him: 
and  we  have  made  him  to  hear  and  to  see.  We  have  surely  directed 
him  in  the  way;  whether  he  be  grateful  or  ungrateful.  Verily  we 
have  prepared  for  the  unbelievers  chains,  and  collars,  and  burning 
fire.  But  the  just  shall  drink  of  a  cup  of  wine,  mixed  with  the  water 
of  Cafur,  a  fountain  whereof  the  servants  of  God  shall  drink;  they 
shall  convey  the  same  by  channels  whithersoever  they  please.  These 
fulfil  their  vow,  and  dread  the  day,  the  evil  whereof  will  disper-c  it- 
self far  abroad ;  and  give  food  unto  the  poor,  and  the  orphan;  and 
the  bondman,  for  his  sake,  saying,  We  feed  you  for  God's  sake  only: 
we  desire  no  recompense  from  you,  nor  any  thanks:  verily  we  dread, 
from  our  Lord,  a  dismal  and  calamitous  day.  Wherefore  God  shall 
deliver  them  from  the  evil  of  that  day,  and  shall  cast  on  them  bright- 
ness of  countenance,  and  joy;  and  shall  reward  them,  for  their 
patient  persevering,  with  a  garden,  and  silk  garments:  therein  shall 
they  repose  themselves  on  couches;  they  shall  see  therein  neither  sun 
nor  moon:  and  the  shades  thereof  shall  be  near  spreading  above 
them,  and  the  fruits  thereof  shall  hang  low,  so  as  to  be  easily  gath- 
ered. And  their  attendants  shall  go  round  about  unto  them,  with 
vessels  of  silver,  and  goblets:  the  bottles  shall  be  bottles  of  silver 
shining  like  glass;  they  shall  determine  the  measure  thereof  by  their 
wish.  And  therein  shall  they  be  given  to  drink  of  a  cup  of  wine, 
mixed  with  the  water  of  Zeujebil,  a  fountain  in  paradise  named 
Salsabil:  and  youths,  which  shall  continue  for  ever  in  their  bloom, 
shall  go  round  to  attend  them;  when  thou  seest  them,  thou  shall 
think  them  to  be  scattered  pearls:  and  when  thou  lookest,  there 
shall  thou  behold  delights,  and  a  great  kingdom.  Upon  them  shall 
be  garments  of  fine  green  silk,  and  of  brocades,  and  they  shall  be 
adorned  with  bracelets  of  silver:  and  jtheir  Lord  shall  give  them  to 
drink  of  a  most  pure  liquor;  and  shall  say  unto  them,  Verily  this  is 
your  reward :  and  your  endeavour  is  gratefully  accepted.  Verily  we 
have  sent  down  unto  thee  the  Koran,  by  a  gradual  revelation. 
Wherefore  patiently  wait  the  judgment  of  the  Lord;  and  obey  not 
any  wieked  person  or  unbeliever  among  them.  And  commemorate 
the  name  of  thy  Lord,  in  the  morning  and  in  the  evening:  and  during 
some  part  of  the  night  worship  him,  and  praise  him  a  long  part  of 


AL  KORAN.  319 

the  "night.  Verily  these  men  love  the  transitory  life,  and  leave  be- 
hind them  the  heavy  day  of  judgment.  We  have  created  them,  and 
have  strengthened  their  joints;  and  when  we  please,  we  will  substi- 
tute others  like  unto  them,  in  their  stead.  Verily  this  is  an  admoni- 
tion: and  whoso  willeth,  taketh  the  way  unto  his  Lord:  but  ye  shall 
not  will,  unless  God  willeth ;  for  God  is  knowing  and  wise.  He 
leadeth  whom  he  pleaseth  into  his  mercy:  but  for  the  unjust  hath  he 
prepared  a  grievous  punishment. 


CHAPTER  LXXVII. 

ENTITLED,    THOSE  WHICH  ARE  SENT;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN    THE    NAME    OF    THE    MOST    MERCIFTL    GOD. 

BY  the  angels  which  are  sent  by  God,  following  one  another  in  a 
continual  series;  and  those  which  move  swiftly,  with  a  rapid  motion; 
and  by  those  which  disperse  his  commands,  by  divulging  them 
through  the  earth;  and  by  those  which  separate  truth  from  falsehood, 
by  distinguishing  the  same;  and  by  those  which  communicate  the 
divine  admonitions,  to  excuse,  or  to  threaten :  verily  that  which  ye 
are  promised  is  inevitable.  When  the  stars,  therefore,  shall  be  out, 
and  when  the  heaven  shall  be  cloven  in  sunder,  and  when  the 
mountains  shall  be  winnowed,  and  when  the  apostles  shall  have  a 
time  assigned  them  to  appear  and  bear  testimony  against  their 
respective  people;  to  what  a  day  shall  that  appointment  be  de- 
ferred! to  the  day  of  separation:  and  what  shall  cause  thee  to 
understand  what  the  day  of  separation  is?  On  that  day,  woe  be 
unto  them  who  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture!  Have  we  not  de- 
stroyed the  obstinate  unbelievers  of  old?  We  will  also  cause  those 
of  the  latter  times  to  follow  them.  Thus  do  we  deal  with  the 
wicked.  Woe  be,  on  that  day,  unto  them  who  accused  the  prophets 
of  imposture!  Have  we  not  created  you  of  a  contemptible  drop  of 
seed,  which  we  placed  in  a  sure  repository,  until  the  fixed  term  of  de- 
livery? And  we  were  able  to  do  this:  for  we  are  most  powerful.  On 
that  day,  woe  be  unto  those  who  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture' 
Have  we  not  made  the  earth  to  contain  the  living  and  the  dead,  and 
placed  therein  stable  and  lofty  mountains,  and  given  you  fresli  watet 
to  drink?  Woe  be,  on  that  day,  unto  those  who  accused  the  prophets 
of  imposture !  It  shall  be  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  to  the  punishment 
which  ye  denied  as  a  falsehood :  go  ye  into  the  shadow  of  the  smoke 
of  hell,  which  shall  ascend  in  three  columns,  and  shall  not  shade 
you  from  the  heat,  neither  shall  it  be  of  service  against  1 1n- 
flame ;  but  it  shall  cast  forth  sparks  as  big  as  towers,  re- 
sembling yellow  camels  in  colour.  Woe  be,  on  that  day,  unto 
those  who  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture  !  This  shall  be 
a  day  whereon  they  shall  not  speak  to  any  purpose;  neither  shall 


820  AL  KORAN. 

they  be  permitted  to  excuse  themselves.  "Woe  be,  on  that  day,  unto 
those  who  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture !  This  shall  be  the  day 
of  separation:  we  will  assemble  both  you  and  your  predecessors. 
Wherefore,  if  ye  have  any  cunning  stratagem,  employ  stratagems 
against  me.  Woe  be,  on  that  day,  unto  those  who  accused  the  prophets 
of  imposture!  But  the  pious  shall  dwell  amidst  shades  aird  foun- 
tains, and  fruits  of  the  kinds  which  they  shall  desire:  and  it  shall  be 
said  unto  them,  Eat  and  drink  with  easy  digestion,  in  recompense 
for  that  which  ye  have  wrought;  for  thus  do  we  reward  I  lie  right- 
eous doers.  Woe  be,  on  that  day,  unto  those  who  accused  the  prophets 
of  imposture!  Eat,  O  unbelievers,  and  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  this 
life,  for  a  little  wThile:  verily  ye  are  wicked  men.  Woe  be,  on  that 
day,  unto  those  who  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture!  And  when 
it  is  said  unto  them,  Bow  down ;  they  do  not  bow  down.  Woe  be, 
on  that  day,  unto  those  who  accused  the  prophets  of  imposture !  In 
what  new  revelation  will  they  believe,  after  this? 


CHAPTER  LXXVIII. 

ENTITLED,    THE  NEWS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

(XXX.)  Concerning  what  do  the  unbelievers  ask  questions  of 
one  another?  Concerning  the  great  news  of  the  resurrection,  about 
which  they  disagree.  Assuredly  they  shall  hereafter  know  the  truth 
thereof.  Again,  Assuredly  they  shall  hereafter  know  the  truth  there- 
of. Have  we  not  made  the  earth  for  a  bed.  and  the  mountains  for 
stakes  to  fix  the  same?  And  have  we  not  created  you  of  two  sexes; 
and  appointed  your  sleep  for  rest;  and  made  the  night  a  garment  to 
cover  you;  and  destined  the  day  to  the  gaining  your  livelihood;  and 
built  over  you  seven  solid  heavens;  and  placed  therein  a  burning 
lamp?  And  do  we  not  send  down  from  the  clouds  pressing  forth 
rain,  wrater  pouring  dowrn  in  abundance,  that  we  may  thereby  pro- 
duce corn,  and  herbs,  and  gardens  planted  thick  with  trees?  Verily 
the  day  of  separation  is  a  fixed  period:  the  day  whereon  the  trumpet 
shall  sound,  and  ye  shall  come  in  troops  to  judgment;  and  the  heaven 
shall  be  opened,  and  shall  be  full  of  gates  for  the  angels  to  pass 
through;  and  the  mountains  shall  pass  away,  and  become  as  a  vapour; 
verily  hell  shall  be  a  place  of  ambush,  a  receptacle  for  the  transgres- 
sors, who  shall  remain  therein  for  ages:  they  shall  not  taste  any 
refreshment  therein,  or  any  drink,  except  boiling  water,  and  filthy 
corruption:  a  fit  recompense  for  their  deeds!  For  they  hoped  that 
they  should  not  be  brought  to  an  account,  and  they  disbelieved  our 
siii-iis.  accusing  them  of  1'alsehood.  But  everything  have  we  com- 
puted, and  written  down.  Taste,  therefore:  we  will  not  add  unto 
you  any  other  than  torment.  But  for  the  pious  is  prepared  a  place 


AL  KORAN.  321 

of  bliss:  gardens  planted  with  trees,  and  Yineyards,  and  damsels  with 
swelling  breasts,  of  equal  age  with  themselves,  and  a  full  cup.  They 
shall  hear  no  vain  discourse  there,  nor  any  falsehood.  This  shall  be 
their  recompense  from  thy  Lord;  a  gift  fully  sufficient:  from  the 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  of  whatever  is  between  them;  the 
Merciful  The  inhabitants  of  heaven  or  of  earth  shall  not  dare  to 
demand  audience  of  him :  the  day  whereon  the  spirit  Gabriel  and 
the  other  angels  shall  stand  in  order,  they  shall  not  speak  in  behalf 
of  themselves  or  others,  except  he  only  to  whom  the  Merciful  shall 
grant  permission,  and  who  shall  say  that  which  is  right.  This  is  the 
infallible  day.  Whoso,  therefore,  willeth,  let  him  return  unto  his 
Lord.  Verily  we  threaten  you  with  a  punishment  nigh  at  hand :  the 
day  whereon  a  man  shall  behold  the  good  or  evil  deeds  which  his 
hands  have  sent  before  him;  and  the  unbeliever  shall  say,  Would  to 
God  I  were  dust! 


CHAPTER  LXXIX. 

E,  TITLED,    THOSE   WHO  TEAR  FORTH;   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  angels  who  tear  forth  the  souls  of  some  with  violence ;  and 
by  those  who  draw  forth  the  souls  of  others  with  gentleness:  by 
those  who  glide  swimmingly  through  *the  air  with  the  commands 
of  God ;  and  those  who  precede  and  usher  the  righteous  to  paradise ; 
and  those  who  subordinately  govern  the  affairs  of  this  world:  on  a 
eertaia  day,  the  disturbing  blast  of  the  trumpet  shall  disturb  the 
universe;  and  the  subsequent  blast  shall  follow  it.  On  that  day 
men's  hearts  shall  tremble:  their  looks  shall  be  cast  down.  The 
mfidels  say,  Shall  we  surely  be  made  to  return, whence  we  came? 
A.f ter  we  shall  have  become  rotten  bones,  shall  we  be  again  raised 
to  life?  They  say,  This  then  will  be  a  return  to  loss.  Verily  it  will 
be  but  one  sounding  of  the  trumpet,  and  behold,  they  shall  appear 
alive  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  Hath  not  the  story  of  Moses  reached 
ihee?  When  his  Lord  called  unto  him  in  the  holy  valley  Towa, 
saying,  Go  unto  Pharaoh;  for  he  is  insolently  wicked:  and  say, 
Hast  thou  a  desire  to  become  just  and  holy?  and  I  will  direct  thee 
unto  thy  Lord,  that  thou  mayest  fear  to  transgress.  And  he  showed 
him  the  very  great  sign  of  the  rod  turned  into  a  serpent:  but  ha 
charged  Moses  with  imposture,  and  rebelled  against  God.  Then  he 
turned  back  hastily;  and  he  assembled  the  magicians,  and  cried 
aloud,  saying,  I  am  your  supreme  Lord.  Wherefore  God  chastised 
him  with  the  punishment  of  the  life  to  come,  and  also  of  this  pres- 
ent life.  Verily  herein  is  an  example  unto  him  who  feareth  to  rebel 
Are  ye  more  difficult  to  create,  or  the  heaven  which  God  hath  built* 
He  hath  raised  the  height  thereof,  and  hath  perfectly  formed  the 


322  AL  KORAN 

same:  and  he  hath  made  the  night  thereof  dark,  and  hath  produced 
the  light  thereof.  After  this  he  stretched  out  the  earth,  whence  he 
caused  to  spring  forth  the  water  thereof,  and  the  pasture  thereof; 
and  he  established  the  mountains,  for  the  use  of  yourselves  and  of  your 
cattle.  When  the  prevailing,  the  great  day  shall  come,  on  that  day 
shall  a  man  call  to  remembrance  what  he  hath  purposely  done 
and  hell  shall  be  exposed  to  the  view  of  the  spectator.  Ana  whose 
shall  have  transgressed,  and  shall  have  chosen  this  present  life ;  verily 
hell  shall  be  his  abode :  but  whoso  shall  have  dreaded  the  appearing 
before  his  Lord,  and  shall  have  refrained  his  soul  from  lust;  verily 
paradise  shall  be  his  abode.  They  will  ask  thee  concerning  the  last 
hour,  when  will  be  the  fixed  time  thereof.  By  what  means  canst 
thou  give  any  information  of  the  same?  Unto  thy  Lord  belongeth  the 
knowledge  of  the  period  thereof:  and  thou  art  only  a  wamer,  who 
fearest  the  same.  The  day  whereon  they  shall  see  the  same,  it  shall 
seem  to  them  as  though  they  had  not  tarried  in  the  world  longer 
than  an  evening  or  a  morning  thereof. 


CHAPTER  LXXX. 

ENTITLED,  HE  FROWNED;   REVEALED  AT  MPCCA, 
IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  prophet  frowned,  and  turned  aside,  because  the  blind  man 
came  unto  him:  and  how  dost  thou  know  whether  he  shall  peradven- 
ture  be  cleansed  from  his  sins ;  or  whether  he  shall  be  admonished, 
and  the  admonition  shall  profit  him?  The  man  who  is  wealthy  thou 
receives!  respectfully;  whereas  it  is  not  to  .be  charged  on  thee,  that 
he  is  not  cleansed:  but  him  who  cometh  unto  thee  earnestly  seeking 
his  salvation,  and  who  feareth  God,  dost  thou  neglect.  By  no 
means  shouldst  thou  act  thus.  Verily  the  Koran  is  an  admonition 
(and  he  who  is  willing  retaineth  the  same);  written  in  volumes  hon- 
ourable, exalted,  and  pure;  by  the  hands  of  scribes  honoured  and 
just.  May  man  be  cursed!  What  hath  seduced  him  to  infidelity'. 
Of  what  thing  doth  God  create  him?  Of  a  drop  of  seed  doth  he  ere- 
(ate  him;  and  he  formeth  him  with  proportion ;  and  then  facilitateth  his 
passage  out  of  the  womb:  afterwards  he  causeth  him  to  die,  and  layeth 
him  in  the  grave;  hereafter,  when  it  shall  please  him,  he  shall  raise 
him  to  life.  Assuredly.  He  hath  not  hitherto  fully  performed  what 
God  hath  commanded  him.  Let  man  consider  his  food;  in  what 
manner  it  is  provided.  We  pour  down  water  by  showers;  after 
wards  we  cleave  the  earth  in  clefts,  and  we  cause  corn  to  spring  forth 
therein,  and  grapes,  and  clover,  and  the  olive,  and  the  palm,  and  £ar 
dens  planted  thick  with  trees,  and  fruits,  and  grass,  for  the  use  oi  }  <  ur 
selves  and  of  your  cattle.  When  the  stunning  sound  of  the  nun  j  t«. 
shall  be  heard;  on  that  day  shall  a  man  fly  from  his  brother,  ar.d  his 


AL  KORAN.  323 

mother,  and  bis  father,  and  his  wife,  and  his  children.  Every  man 
of  them,  on  that  day,  shall  have  business  of  his  own  sufficient  to  em- 
ploy his  thoughts.  On  that  day  the  faces  of  some  shall  he  bright, 
laughing,  and  joyful :  and  upon  the  faces  of  others,  on  that  day,  shall 
there  be  dust;  darkness  shall  cover  them,  These  are  the  unbelievers, 
the  wicked. 


CHAPTER  LXXXI. 

ENTITLED,  THE  FOLDING  UP;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL   GOD. 

WHEN  the  sun  shall  be  folded  up;  and  when  the  stars  shall  fall; 
and  when  the  mountains  shall  be  made  to  pass  away;  and  when  the 
camels  ten  months  gone  with  young  shall  be  neglected;  and  when  the 
wild  beasts  shall  be  gathered  together;  and  when  the  seas  shall  boil; 
and  when  the  souls  shall  be  joined  again  to  their  bodies;  and  when 
the  girl  who  hath  been  buried  alive  shall  be  asked  for  what  crime  she 
was  put  to  death ;  and  when  the  books  shall  be  laid  open ;  and  when 
the  heaven  shall  be  removed;  and  when  hell  shall  burn  fiercely;  and 
when  paradise  shall  be  brought  near:  every  soul  shall  know  what 
it  hath  wrought.  Verily  I  swear  by  the  stars  which  are  retrograde, 
which  move  swiftly,  and  which  hide  themselves;  and  by  the  night, 
when  it  cometh  on ;  and  by  the  morning,  when  it  appeareth ;  that 
these  are  the  words  of  an  honourable  messenger,  endued  with  strength, 
of  established  dignity  in  the  sight  of  the  possessor  of  the  throne, 
obeyed  by  the  angels  under  his  authority,  and  faithful:  and  your 
companion  Mohammed  is  not  distracted.  He  had  already  seen  him 
in  the  clear  horizon :  and  he  suspected  not  the  secrets  revealed  unto 
him.  Neither  are  these  the  words  of  an  accursed  devil.  Whither, 
therefore,  are  ye  going?  This  is  no  other  than  an  admonition  unto 
all  creatures;  unto  him  among  yon  who  shall  be  willing  to  walk  up- 
rightly: but  ye  shall  not  will,  unless  God  willeth,  the  Lord  of  all 
Creatures. 


CHAPTER  LXXXIL 

ENTITLED,  THE   CLEAVING   IN  SUNDER;    REVEALKD  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHEN  the  heaven  shall  be  cloven  in  sunder;  and  when  the  stars 
shall  be  scattered;  and  when  the  seas  shall  be  suffered  to  join  their 
waters;  and  when  the  graves  shall  be  turned  upside  down:  every 
soul  shall  know  what  it  hath  committed,  and  what  it  hath  omitted. 
O  man,  what  hath  seduced  thee  against  thy  gracious  Lord,  who  hath 


334  AL  KORAN. 

created  thee,  and  put  thee  together,  and  rightly  disposed  thee?  In 
what  form  he  pleased  hath  he  fashioned  thee.  Assuredly.  But  ye 
deny  the  last  judgment  as  a  falsehood.  Verily  there  are  appointed 
over  you  guardian  angels,  honourable  in  the  sight  of  God,  "writing 
down  your  actions;  who  know  that  which  ye  do.  The  just  shall 
surely  be  in  a  place  of  delight:  but  the  wicked  shall  surely  be  in  hell; 
they  shall  bo  cast  therein  to  be  burned,  on  the  day  of  judgment,  and 
they  shall  not  be  absent  therefrom  for  ever.  What  shall  cause  thee 
to  understand  what  the  day  of  judgment  is?  Again,  "What  shall 
cause  thee  to  understand  what  the  day  of  judgment  is?  It  is  a  day 
whereon  one  soul  shall  not  be  able  to  obtain  anything  in  behalf  of 
another  soul :  and  the  command  on  that  day  shall  be  God's. 


CHAPTER  LXXXIII. 

ESTITL2D,  THOSE   WHO   GIVE   SHORT    MEASURE   OR   WEIGHT;    RE- 
VEALED AT   MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WOE  be  unto  those  who  give  short  measure  or  weight;  who,  when 
they  receive  by  measure  from  other  men,  take  the  full ;  but  when 
they  measure  unto  them,  or  weigh  unto  them,  defraud!  Do  not 
these  think  they  shall  be  raised  again  at  the  great  day ;  the  day 
whereon  mankind  shall  stand  before  the  Lord  of  all  creatures?  By 
no  means.  Verily  the  register  of  the  actions  of  the  wicked  is  surely 
in  Sejjin.  And  what  shall  make  thee  to  understand  what  Sejjin  is?  It 
is  a  book  distinctly  written.  Woe  be,  on  that  clay,  unto  those  who  ac- 
cused the  prophets  of  imposture;  who  denied  the  day  of  judgment  as 
a  falsehood!  And  none  denieth  the  same  as  a  falsehood,  except 
every  unjust  and  flagitious  person:  who,  when  our  signs  are  rehearsed 
unto  him,  saith,  They  are  fables  of  the  ancients.  By  no  means: 
but  rather  their  lusts  have  cast  a  veil  over  their  hearts.  By  no 
means.  Verily  They  shall  be  shut  out  from  their  Lord  on  that 
day;  and  they  shall  be  sent  into  hell  to  be  burned:  then  shall  it  be 
said  unto  them,  by  the  infernal  guards,  This  is  what  ye  denied  as  a 
falsehood.  Assuredly.  But  the  register  of  the  actions  of  the  right- 
eous is  in  Illiyyun :  and  what  shall  cause  thee  to  understand  what 
Illiyyun  is?  It  is  a  book  distinctly  written:  those  who  approach 
near  unto  God  are  witnesses  thereto.  Verily  the  righteous  shall 
dwell  among  delights:  seated  on  couches  they  shall  behold  ob- 
jects of  pleasure;  thou  shalt  see  in  their  faces  the  brightness  of  joy. 
They  shall  be  given  to  drink  of  pure  wine,  sealed ;  the  seal  whereof 
shall  be  musk;  and  to  this  let  those  aspire,  who  aspire  to  happiness 
and  the  water  mixed  therewith  shall  be  of  Tasnim,  a  fountain  where- 
of those  shall  drink  who  approach  near  unto  the  divine  presence 
They  who  act  wickedly  laugh  the  true  believers  to  scorn;  and  when 


AL  KORAN.  325 

they  pass  by  them,  they  wink  at  one  another:  and  when  they  turn  aside 
to  their  people,  they  turn  aside  making  scurrilous  jests :  and  when 
they  see  them,  they  say,  Verily  these  are  mistaken  men.  But  they 
an  not  sent  to  be  keepers  over  them.  Wherefore  one  day  the  true 
iK'Levers,  in  their  turn,  shall  laugh  the  infidels  to  scorn:  lying  on 
couches,  they  shall  look  down  upon  them  in  hell.  Shall  not  the  in 
lidels  be  rewarded  for  that  which  they  have  done? 


CHAPTER  LXXXIV. 

ENTITLED,    THE  RENDING   IN   SUNDER;  REVEALED  Ar  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHEN  the  heaven  shall  be  rent  'a  sunder,  and  shall  obey  its  Lord, 
and  shall  be  capable  thereof;  and  when  the  earth  shall  be  stretched 
out,  and  shall  cast  forth  that  which  is  therein,  and  shall  remain  empty, 
and  shall  obey  its  Lord,  and  shall  be  capable  thereof:  O  man,  verily 
labouring  thou  labourest  to  meet  thy  Lord,  and  thou  shalt  meet  him 
And  he  who  shall  have  his  book  given  into  his  right  hand,  shall  be 
called  to  an  easy  account,  and  shall  turn  unto  his  family  with  joy. 
but  he  who  shall  have  his  book  given  him  behind  his  back,  shall  in 
voke  destruction  to  fall  upon  him,  and  he  shall  be  sent  into  hell  to 
be  burned;  because  he  rejoiced  insolently  amidst  his  family  on  earth. 
Verily  he  thought  that  he  should  never  return  unto  God:  yea  verily; 
but  his  Lord  beheld  him.  Wherefore  I  swear  by  the  redness  of  the 
sky  after  .sunset,  and  by  the  night,  and  the  animals  which  it  driveth 
together,  and  by  the  moon  when  she  is  at  the  full ;  ye  shall  surely  be 
transferred  successively  from  state  to  state.  What  aileth  them,  there- 
fore, that  they  believe  not  the  resurrection;  and  that,  when  the  Koran 
is  rjud  unto  them,  they  worship  not?  Yea  :  the  unbelievers  accuse 
the  same  of  imposture:  but  God  well  knoweth  the  malice  which  they 
keep  hidden  in  their  breasts.  Wherefore  denounce  unto  them  a 
grievous  punishment,  except  those  who  believe  and  do  good  works? 
for  them  is  prepared  a  never-failing  reward. 


CHAPTER  LXXXY. 

ENTITLED,    THE   CELESTIAL   SIGNS,   REVEALED   AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE   NAME   OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOT:, 

BY  the  heaven  adorned  with  signs;  by  the  promised  day  of  judg- 
ment; by  the  witness,  and  the  witnessed;  cursed  were  the  contrivers 
of  the  pit,  of  fire  supplied  with  fuel,  when  they  sat  round  the  same, 
and  were  witnesses  of  what  they  did  against  the  true  believers:  and 
they  afflicted  them  for  no  other  reason,  but  because  they  believed  in 


326  AL  KORAN. 

the  mighty,  the  glorious  God,  unto  whom  belongeth  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  and  earth :  and  God  is  witness  of  all  things.  Verily  for  those 
who  prosecute  the  true  believers  of  either  sex,  and  afterwards  repent 
not,  is  prepared  the  torment  of  hell ;  and  they  shall  suffer  the  pain  of 
burning.  But  for  those  who  believe,  and  do  that  which  is  right,  ar^ 
destined  gardens  beneath  which  rivers  flow:  this  shall  be  great  felicity. 
Verily  the  vengeance  of  thy  Lord  is  severe.  He  createth,  and  he  re- 
storeth  to  life:  he  is  inclined  to  forgive,  and  gracious:  the  possessor 
of  the  glorious  throne;  who  effecteth  that  which  he  pleaseth.  Hath 
sot  the  story  of  the  hosts  of  Pharaoh,  and  of  Thamud,  reached  thee? 
Yet  the  unbelievers  cease  not  to  accuse  the  divine  revelations  of  false- 
hood: but  God  encompasseth  them  behind,  that  they  cannot  escape. 
Verily  that  which  they  reject  is  a  glorious  Koran;  the  original  whereof 
is  written  in  a  table  kept  in  heaven 


CHAPTER  LXXXVI. 

ENTITLED,   THE  STAB  WHICH  APPEAKETH  BY  NIGHT;    REVEALED  AT 

MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  heaven,  and  that  which  appeareth  by  night:  but  what  shall 
cause  thee  to  understand  what  that  which  appeareth  by  night  is?  it 
is  the  star  of  piercing  brightness:  every  soul  hath  a  guardian  set  over 
it.  Let  a  man  consider,  therefore,  of  what  he  is  created.  He  is 
created  of  seed  poured  forth,  issuing  from  the  loins,  and  the  breast- 
bones. Verily  God  is  able  to  restore  him  to  life,  the  day  whereon  all 
secret  thoughts  and  actions  shall  be  examined  into;  and  he  shall  have 
KO  power  to  defend  himself,  nor  any  protector.  By  the  heaven  which 
returneth  the  rain ;  and  by  the  eartli  which  openeth  to  let  forth  vege- 
tables and  springs:  verily  this  is  a  discourse  distinguishing  good  from 
evil;  audit  is  not  composed  with  lightness.  Verily  the  infidels  are 
laying  a  plot  to  frustrate  my  designs:  but  I  will  lay  a  plot  for  their 
ruin.  Wherefore,  O  prophet,  bear  with  the  unbelievers;  let  them 
alone  a  while. 


CHAPTER  LXXXVII. 

ENTITLED,    THE   MOST   HIGH;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

PRAISE  the  name  of  thy  Lord,  the  most  high;  who  hath  created, 
and  completely  formed  his  creatures:  and  who  determineth  them  to 
various  ends,  and  directeth  them  to  attain  the  same;  and  who  pro- 
duceth  the  pasture  for  cattle,  and  afterwards  rendereth  the  same  dry 


AL  KORAN.  327 

stubble  of  a  dusky  hue.  "We  will  enable  thee  to  rehearse  our  revela- 
tions ;  and  thou  shalt  not  forget  any  part  thereof,  except  what  God 
shall  please;  for  he  knoweth  that  which  is  manifest,  and  that  which 
is  hidden.  And  we  will  facilitate  unto  thee  the  most  easy  way. 
Wherefore  admonish  thy  people,  if  thy  admonition  shall  be  profitable 
unto  them.  Whoso  feareth  God,  he  will  be  admonished:  but  the 
most  wretched  unbeliever  will  turn  away  therefrom ;  who  shall  be 
cast  to  be  broiled  in  the  greater  fire  of  hell,  wherein  lie  shall  not  die, 
neither  shall  he  live.  Now  hath  he  attained  felicity  who  is  purified 
by  faith,  and  vho  remembereth  the  name  of  his  Lord,  and  prayeth. 
But  ye  prefer  this  present  life:  yet  the  life  to  come  is  better,  and  more 
durable.  Verily  this  is  written  in  the  ancient  books,  the  books  of 
Abraham  and  Moses. 


CHAPTER  LXXXVIII. 

ENTITLED,   THE   OVERWHELMING;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL,  QOD. 

HATH  the  news  of  the  overwhelming  day  of  judgment  reached 
thee?  The  countenances  of  some,  on  that  day,  shall  be  cast  down; 
labouring  and  toiling:  they  shall  be  cast  into  scorching  fire  to  be 
broiled:  they  shall  be  given  to  drink  of  a  boiling  fountain:  they  shall 
have  no  food,  but  of  dry  thorns  and  thistles;  which  shall  not  fatten, 
neither  shall  they  satisfy  hunger.  But  the  countenances  of  others,  on 
that  day,  shall  be  joyful;  well  pleased  with  their  past  endeavour;  they 
shall  be  placed  in  a  lofty  garden,  wherein  thou  shalt  hear  no  vain  dis- 
course :  therein  shall  be  a  running  fountain :  therein  shall  be  raised  beds, 
and  goblets  placed  before  them,  and  cushions  laid  in  order,  and  carpets 
ready  spread.  Do  they  not  consider  the  camels,  how  they  are  created ; 
and  the  heaven,  how  it  is  raised ;  and  the  mountains,  how  they  are 
fixed;  and  the  earth,  how  it  is  extended?  Wherefore  warn  thy 
people;  for  thou  art  a  warner  only:  thou  art  not  empowered  to  act 
with  authority  over  them.  But  whoever  shall  turn  back,  and  dis- 
believe, God  shall  punish  him  with  the  greater  punishment  of  the  life 
to  come.  Verily  unto  us  shall  they  return:  then  shall  it  be  our  part 
to  bring  them  to  account. 


CHAPTER  LXXXIX. 

ENTITLED,    THE  DAYBREAK;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL.  GOD. 

BY  the  daybreak,  and  ten  nights;  by  that  which  is  doubled,  and 
that  which  is  single ;  and  by  the  night  when  it  comethcn:  is  there 
not  in  this  an  oath  formed  with  understanding?  Hast  thou  not  con- 


328  AL  KORAK 

sidered  how  tny  Lord  dealt  with  Ad,  the  people  of  Irem,  adorne* 
with  lofty  buildings,  the  like  whereof  hath  not  been  erected  in  the 
land;  and  with  Thamud,  who  hewed  the  rocks  in  the  valley  into 
houses;  and  with  Pharaoh,  the  contriver  of  the  stakes:  who  had  be 
haved  insolently  in  the  earth,  and  multiplied  corruption  therein', 
Wherefore  thy  Lord  poured  on  them  various  kinds  of  chastisement, 
for  thy  Lord  is  surely  in  a  watch-tower,  whence  he  observeth  the 
actions  of  men.  Moreover  man,  when  his  Lord  trieth  him  by  pros- 
perity, and  honoureth  him,  and  is  bounteous  unto  him,  saitli,  Mv 
Lord  honoureth  me-  but  when  he  proveth  him  by  afflictions,  ami 
withholdeth  his  provisions  from  him,  he  saith,  My  Lord  despiseth 
me.  By  no  means:  but  ye  honour  not  the  orphan,  neither  do  yr  ex- 
cite one  another  to  feed  the  poor;  and  ye  devour  the  inheritance'  of 
the  weak,  with  undistinguishing  greediness;  and  ye  love  riches,  with 
much  affection.  By  no  means  should  ye  do  thus.  When  the  earth 
shall  be  minutely  ground  to  dust ;  and  thy  Lord  shall  come,  and  the 
angels  rank  by  rank:  and  hell,  on  that  day,  shall  be  brought  nigh: 
on  that  day  shall  man  call  to  remembrance  his  evil  deeds ;  but  how 
shall  remembrance  avail  him?  He  shall  say,  Would  to  God  that  I 
had  heretofore  done  good  works  in  my  lifetime !  On  that  day  none 
shall  punish  with  his  punishment;  nor  shall  any  bind  with  his  bonds. 
O  thou  soul  which  art  at  rest,  return  unto  thy  Lord,  well  pleased  with 
thy  reward,  and  well  pleasing  unto  God:  enter  among  my  servants; 
and  enter  my  paradise. 


CHAPTER  XC. 

ENTITLED,   THE  TERRITOKY;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

I  SWEAR  by  this  territory  (and  thou,  O  prophet,  residest  in  this 
territory),  and  by  the  begetter,  and  that  which  he  hath  begotten; 
verily  we  have  created  man  in  misery.  Doth  he  think  that  none  shall 
prevail  over  him?  He  saith,  I  have  wasted  plenty  of  riches.  Doth 
he  think  that  none  seeth  him?  Have  we  not  made  him  two  eyes, 
and  a  tongue,  and  two  lips;  and  shown  him  the  two  highways  of 
good  and  evil?  Yet  he  attempteth  not  the  cliff.  What  shall  make 
thee  to  understand  what  the  cliff  is?  It  is  to  free  the  captive;  or  to 
feed,  in  the  day  of  famine,  the  orphan  who  is  of  kin,  or  the  poor 
man  who  lieth  on  the  ground.  Whoso  doth  this,  and  is  one  of  those 
who  believe,  and  recommend  perseverance  unto  each  other,  and 
recommend  mercy  unto  each  other;  these  shall  be  the  companions  of 
the  right  hand.  But  they  who  shall  disbelieve  our  signs,  shall  be  the 
companions  of  the  left  hand :  above  them  shall  be  arched  fire. 


CHAPTER  XC1. 

ENTITLED,    THE  SUN;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  sun,  and  its  rising  brightness ;  by  the  moon,  when  she  fol- 
loweth  him;  by  the  day,  when  it  showeth  his  splendour;  by  the 
night,  when  it  covereth  him  with  darkness;  by  the  heaven,  and  him 
who  built  it ;  by  the  earth,  and  him  who  spread  it  forth ;  by  the  soul, 
and  him  who  completely  formed  it,  and  inspired  into  the  same  its 
faculty  of  distinguishing,  and  power  of  choosing,  wickedness  and 
piety:  now  is  he  who  hath  purified  the  same,  happy ;  but  he  who  hath 
corrupted  the  same,  is  miserable.  Tharnud  accused  their  prophet 
Saleh  of  imposture,  through  the  excess  of  their  wickedness :  when 
the  wretch  among  them  was  sent  to  slay  the  camel;  and  the  apostle 
of  God  said  unto  them,  Let  alone  the  camel  of  God;  and  hinder  not 
her  drinking.  But  they  charged  him  with  imposture ;  and  they  slew 
her.  Wherefore  their  Lord  destroyed  them,  for  their  crime,  and 
made  their  punishment  equal  unto  them  all :  and  he  f eareth  not  the 
issue  thereof. 


CHAPTER 

ENTITLED,   THE  NIGHT;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  night,  when  it  covereth  all  things  with  darkness;  by  the 
Jay,  when  it  shineth  forth;  by  him  who  hath  created  the  male  and 
the  female:  verily  your  endeavour  is  different.  Now  whoso  is 
obedient,  and  feareth  God,  and  professeth  the  truth  of  that  faith 
which  is  most  excellent;  unto  him  will  we  facilitate  the  way  to  happi- 
ness, but  whoso  shall  be  covetous,  and  shall  be  wholly  taken  up  with 
this  world,  and  shall  deny  the  truth  of  that  winch  is  most  excellent; 
unto  him  will  we  facilitate  the  way  to  misery;  and  his  riches  shall  not 
profit  him,  when  he  shall  fall  headlong  into  heil.  Verily  unto  us  ap- 
pertaineth  the  direction  of  mankind:  and  ours  i?  the  life  to  come  and 
tne  present  life.  Wherefore  I  threaten  you  with  f  re  which  burneth 
fiercely,  which  none  shall  enter  to  be  burned  except  the  most 
wretched;  who  shall  have  disbelieved,  and  turned  back.  But  he 
who  strictly  bewareth  idolatry  and  rebellion,  shall  be  removed  far 
from  the  same;  whogiveth  his  substance  in  alms,  and  by  whom  no 
benefit  is  bestowed  on  any,  that  maybe  recompensed,  but  who  be- 
stoweth  the  same  for  the  sake  of  his  Lord,  the  most  High:  and  here- 
after he  shall  be  well  satisfied  with  his  reward. 


CHAPTER 

ENTITLED,    THE  BRIGHTNESS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  brightness  of  the  morning ;  and  by  the  night,  when  it 
groweth  dark:  thy  Lord  hath  not  forsaken  thee,  neither  doth  he 
bate  thee.  Verily  the  "life  to  come  shall  be  better  for  thee  than  this 
present  life:  and  thy  Lord  shall  give  thee  a  reward  wherewith  thou 
Bhak  be  well  pleasea.  Did  he  not  find  thee  an  orphan,  and  hath  he 
not  taken  care  of  thee?  And  did  he  not  find  thee  wandering  in  error, 
and  hath  he  not  guided  thee  into  the  truth?  And  did  he  not  find  thee 
needy,  and  hath  he  not  enriched  thee?  Wherefore  oppress  not  the 
orphan;  neither  repulse  the  beggar:  but  declare  the  goodness  of  thy 
Lord. 


CHAPTER  XCIV. 

ENTITLED,   HAVE  WE  NOT  OPENED  ;     REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

HAVE  we  not  opened  thy  breast;  and  eased  thee  of  thy  burden, 
which  galled  thy  back;  and  raised  thy  reputation  for  thee?  Verily 
a  difficulty  shall  be  attended  with  ease.  Verily  a  difficulty  shall  be 
attended  with  ease.  When  thou  shalt  have  ended  thy  preaching, 
labour  to  serve  God  in  return  for  his  favours;  and  make  thy  suppli- 
cation unto  thy  Lord. 


CHAPTER  XCV. 

ENTITLED,    THE  FIG;  WHERE  IT  WAS  REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  fig,  and  the  olive ;  and  by  Mount  Sinai,  and  this  territory  of 
security :  verily  we  created  man  of  a  most  excellent  fabric ;  afterwards 
we  rendered  him  the  vilest  of  the  vile:  except  those  who  believe  and 
work  righteousness;  for  they  shall  receive  an  endless  reward.  What 
therefore  shall  cause  thee  to  deny  the  day  of  judgment  after  this?  Is 
not  God  the  most  wise  judge? 


CHAPTER  XCVI. 

ENTITLED,   CONGEALED  BLOOD;  REVEALED  AT  MEDINA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

READ,  in  the  name  of  thy  Lord,  who  hath  created  all  things;  who 
hath  created  man  of  congealed  blood.  Read,  by  thy  most  benefi- 
cent Lord;  who  taught  the  use  of  the  pen;  who  teacheth  man 
that  which  he  knoweth  not.  Assuredly.  Verily  man  becometh  inso- 
lent, because  heseeth  himself  abound  in  riches.  Verily  unto  thy  Lord 
shall  be  the  return  of  all.  What  thinkest  thou  as  to  him  who  forbid- 
deth  our  servant,  when  he  prayeth?  What  thinkest  thou ;  if  lie  follow 
the  right  direction ;  or  command  piety?  What  thinkest  thou ;  if  he  ac- 
cuse the  divine  revelations  of  falsehood,  and  turn  his  back?  Doth  he 
not  know  that  God  seeth?  Assuredly.  Verily,  if  he  forbear  not,  we 
will  drag  him  by  the  forelock,  the  lying,  sinful  forelock.  And  let 
him  call  his  council  to  his  assistance :  we  also  wrill  call  the  infernal 
guards  to  cast  him  into  hell.  Assuredly.  Obey  him  not:  but  con- 
tinue to  adore  God;  and  draw  nigh  unto  him 


CHAPTER  XCVII. 

ENTITLED,  AL  KADR;  WHERE  IT  WAS  REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

VERILY  we  sent  down  the  Korfin  in  the  night  of  al  Kadr.  And  what 
rfhalv  make  thee  understand  how  excellent  the  night  of  al  Kadr  is? 
The  night  of  al  Kadr  is  better  than  a  thousand  months.  Therein  dc 
the  angels  descend,  and  the  spirit  Gabriel  also,  by  the  permiss'on  of 
their  Lord,  with  his  decrees  concerning  every  matter.  It  is  peace 
until  the  rising  of  the  morn. 


CHAPTER  XCVIII. 

ENTITLED,  THE  EVIDENCE ;  WHERE  IT  WAS  REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  unbelievers  among  those  to  whom  the  scriptures  were  given. 
and  among  the  idolaters,  (did  not  stagger,  until  the  clear  evidence  had 
come  unto  them  an  apostle  from  God,  rehearsing  unto  them  pure 
books  of  revelations  wherein  are  contained  right  discourses.  Neither 


382  AL  KORAN. 

were  they  unto  whom  the  scriptures  were  given  divided  among 
themselves,  until  after  the  clear  evidence  had  come  unto  them.  And 
they  were  commanded  no  other  in  the  scriptures  than  to  worship 
God,  exhibiting  unto  him  the  pure  religion,  and  being  orthodox ;  and 
to  be  constant  at  prayer,  and  to  give  alms:  and  this  is  the  right 
religion.  Verily  those  who  believe  not,  among  those  who  have  re- 
ceived the  scriptures,  and  among  the  idolaters,  shall  be  cast  into  the 
fire  of  hell,  to  remain  there  for  ever.  These  are  the  worst  of  crea- 
tures. But  they  who  believe,  and  dp  good  works ;  these  are  the  best 
of  creatures:  their  reward  with  their  Lord  shall  be  gardens  of  per 
petual  abode,  through  which  rivers  flow;  they  shall  remain  there  for 
ever.  God  will  be  well  pleased  in  them ;  and  they  shall  be  well  pleased 
in  him.  This  is  prepared  for  him  who  shall  fear  his  Lord. 


CHAPTER  XCIX. 

ENTITLED,  THE  EARTHQUAKE;  WHERE  IT  WAS  REVEALED  IS 
DISPUTED. 

IN  .THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHEN  the  earth  shall  be  shaken  by  an  earthquake ;  and  the  earth 
shall  cast  forth  her  burdens ;  and  a  man  shall  say,  What  aileth  her? 
On  that  day  the  earth  shall  declare  her  tidings,  for  that  thy  Lord  will 
inspire  her.  On  that  day  men  shall  go  forward  in  distinct  classes, 
that  they  may  behold  their  works.  And  whoever  shall  have  wrought 
good  of  the  weight  of  an  ant,  shall  behold  the  same.  And  whoever 
shall  have  wrought  evil  of  the  weight  of  an  ant,  shall  behold  the 
same. 


CHAPTER  C. 

ENTITLED,  THE  WAR-HORSES  WHICH  RUN  SWIFTLY;  WHERE   IT  WAS 
REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  war-horses  which  run  swiftly  to  the  battle,  with  a  panting 
noise;  and  by  those  which  strike  fire,  by  dashing  their  hoofs  against 
the  stones;  and  by  those  which  make  a  sudden  incursion  on  the 
enemy  early  in  the  morning,  and  therein  raise  the  dust,  and  therein 
pass  through  the  midst  of  the  adverse  troops:  verily  man  is  ungrate- 
ful unto  nis  Lord;  and  he  is  witness  thereof:  and  he  is  immoderate 
in  the  love  of  worldly  good.  Dotli  he  not  know,  therefore,  when 
that  which  is  in  the  graves  shall  be  taken  forth,  and  that  which  is  in 
men's  breasts  shall  be  brought  to  light,  that  their  Lord  will,  on  that 
day,  be  fully  informed  concerning  them? 


AL  KORAN. 


CHAPTER  CI. 

ENTITLED,   THE  STRIKING;  REVEALED  AT   MECCA. 

IN    THE    NAME   OP    THE    MOST    MERCIFUL    GOD. 

THE  striking!  What  is  the  striking?  And  what  shall  make  thee 
to  understand  how  terrible  the  striking  will  be?  On  that  day  men 
shall  be  like  moths  scattered  abroad,  and  the  mountain*1  shall  becon,<- 
like  carded  wool  of  various  colours  driven  by  the  'wind.  Moreover 
he  whose  balance  shall  be  heavy  with  good  works,  shall  lead  a  pleas 
ing  life:  but  as  to  him  whose  balance  shall  be  light,  his  dwelling  shall 
be  the  pit  of  hell.  What  shall  make  thee  to  understand  how  fright- 
ful the  pit  of  hell  is?  It  is  a  burning  fire. 


CHAPTER  OIL 

ENTITLED,   THE  EMULOUS  DESIRE  OF  MULTIPLYING,  WHERE  IT  WAS 
REVEALED   18  DISPUTED. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  emulous  desire  of  multiplying  riches  and  children  employeth 
you,  until  ye  visit  the  graves.  By  no  means  should  ye  thus  employ 
your  time:  hereafter  shall  ye  know  your  folly.  Again,  By  no  means: 
hereafter  shall  ye  know  your  folly.  By  no  means:  if  ye  knew  the 
consequence  hereof  with  certainty  of  knowledge,  ye  would  not  act 
thus  Verily  ye  shall  see  hell:  again,  ye  shall  surely  see  it  with  the 
eye  of  certainty.  Then  shall  ye  be  examined,  on  that  day,  concern- 
ing the  pleasures  with  which  ye  have  amused  yourselves  in  this  life. 


CHAPTER  CIII. 

ENTITLED,    THE  AFTERNOON;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

BY  the  afternoon;  verily  man  employeth  himself  in  that  which  will 
prove  of  loss:  except  those  who  believe,  and  do  that  which  is  right; 
and  who  mutually  recommend  the  truth,  and  mutually  recommend 
perseverance  unto  each  other. 


334  AL  KORAN. 


CHAPTER  CIV. 

ENTITLED,   THE  SLANDERER;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WOE  unto  every  slanderei  and  backbiter:  who  heapeth  up  riches, 
and  prepareth  the  same  for  the  time  to  come!  He  thinketh  that 
his  riches  will  render  him  immortal.  By  no  means.  He  shall  surely 
be  cast  into  al  Hotama.  And  what  shall  cause  thee  to  understand 
what  al  Hotama  is?  It  is  the  kindled  fire  of  God;  which  shall  mount 
above  the  hearts  of  those  who  shall  be  cast  therein.  Verily  it  shall 
be  as  an  arched  vault  above  them,  on  columns  of  vast  extent. 


CHAPTER    CV. 

ENTITLED,  THE  ELEPHANT;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL,  GOD. 

HAST  thou  not  seen  how  thy  Lord  dealt  with  the  masters  of  the 
elephant?  Did  he  not  make  their  treacherous  design  an  occasion  of 
drawing  them  into  error;  and  send  against  them  flocks  of  birds, 
which  cast  down  upon  them  stones  of  baked  clay;  and  render  them 
like  the  leaves  of  corn  eaten  by  cattle? 

CHAPTER  CVI. 

ENTITLED,   KOREISH;  REVEALED  AT   MECCA. 
IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

FOR  the  uniting  of  the  tribe  )f  Koreish;  their  uniting  in  sending 
forth  the  caravan  of  merchants  and  purveyors  in  winter  and  summer: 
let  them  serve  the  Lord  of  this  house ;  who  supplieth  them  with  food 
against  hunger,  and  hath  rendered  them  secure  from  fear. 


CHAPTER  CVII. 

ENTITLED,    NECESSARIES;    WHERE   IT   WAS   REVEALED   IS    DISPUTED, 
IN   THE   NAME  OF  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

ft  ITAT  thinkest  thou  of  him  who  denieth  the  future  judgment  as  a 
falsehood?  It  Is  hs  who  pusheth  away  the  orphan;  and  sfirreth  not 
up  others  to  feed  the  poor.  Woe  be  unto  those  who  pray,  and  who 
are  negligent  at  their  prayer;  who  play  the  hypocrites,"  and  deny 
necessaries  to  the  needy. 


AL  KORAN.  33b 


CHAPTER  CVin. 

ENTITLED,    AL,  CAWTHAR;   REVEALED   AT  MECCA. 

IN    THE    NAMK    OF    THE     MOST    MERCIFUL     GOD. 

VERILY  we  Lave  given  the  al  Cawthar.  Wherefore  pray  unto  thv 
Lord ;  and  slay  the  victims.  Verily  he  who  hateth  thee'  snail  be 
childless. 


CHAPTER  CIX. 

ENTITLED,   THE  UNBELIEVERS;  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE   MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

SAY:  O  unbelievers,  I  will  not  worship  that  which  ye  worship;  nor 
will  ye  worship  that  which  I  worship.  Neither  do  I  worship  that 
which  ye  worship;  neither  do  ye  worship  that  which  I  worship.  Ye 
have  your  religion,  and  I  my  religion. 


CHAPTER  CX. 

ENTITLED,    ASSISTANCE;   REVEALED  AT  MECCA 

IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE    MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

WHEN  *,he  assistance  of  God  shall  come,  and  the  victory;  and  thou 
shalt  seethe  people  enter  into  the  religion  of  God  by  troops:  celebrate 
the  praise  of  thy  Lord,  and  ask  pardon  of  him;  for  he  is  inclined  to 
forgive. 


CHAPTER  CXI. 

ENTITLED,    ABU  LAHEB:  REVEALED  AT  MECCA. 

IN  THE   NAME  OF  THE   MOST   MERCIFUL  GOD. 

THE  hands  of  Abu  Laheb  shall  perish,  and  he  shall  perish.  His 
riches  shall  not  profit  him,  neither  that  which  he  hath  gained.  He 
shall  go  down  to  be  burned  into  naming  fire ;  and  his  wife  also,  boar 
ing  wood,  having  on  her  neck  a  cord  of  twisted  fibres  of  a  palm-lm; 


336  AL  KORAN. 


CHAPTER  CXH. 

KNTITLEU.    fHE  DECLARATION  OF  GOD*S  UNITY;   WHERE  IT  "WAS 

REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 
IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

SAY,  God  )«4  one  God;  the  eternal  God:  he  begetteth  not,  neither  is 
he  begotten:  *fld  there  is  not  any  one  like  unto  him. 


CHAPTER  CXIII. 

ENTITLED,  THM  DAYBREAK;  WHERE  IT  WAS  REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 
IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

SAY,  I  fly  for  refuge  unto  the  Lord  of  the  daybreak,  that  he  may 
deliver  me  from  the  mischief  of  those  things  which  he  hath  created ; 
and  from  the  mischief  of  the  night,  when  it  cometh  on;  and  from  the 
mischief  of  women  blowing  on  knots ;  and  from  the  mischief  of  the 
envious,  when  Lie  envieth. 


CHAPTER  CXIV. 

ENTITLED,    MEM;    WHERE  IT  WAS  REVEALED  IS  DISPUTED. 

IN  THE  NAME  OP  THE  MOST  MERCIFUL  GOD. 

SAY,  I  fly  for  refuge  unto  the  Lord  of  men,  the  king  of  men,  the 
God  of  men,  that  he  may  deliver  me  from  the  mischief  of  the  whis- 
perer who  slyly  withdraweth,  who  whispereth  evil  suggestions  into 
the  breasts  of  men ;  from  genii  and  men. 


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